Buffalo Narrows, Sask. is under a state of emergency due to wildfires, according to a notice that went out by Mayor Sandy Ericson on Sunday.
The notice said wildfires were within the boundaries of the municipality, and an evacuation began for all level 1 and 2 residents of the community, which means people with chronic respiratory issues, pregnant women and children under 2.
According to the Buffalo Narrows Facebook page, hotel accommodations were offered in Lloydminster, and buses were loaded with evacuees to be escorted out of the area. As of 2:15 p.m. on Monday, 95 people have evacuated.
Environment Canada issued a critical air quality alert early Monday, saying the smoke from wildfires was causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
“The fires are burning quite aggressively right now,” said Bryan Chartrand with Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency on Monday. The uncontained Buffalo Narrows blaze is one of 35 active fires in Saskatchewan right now.
He added that the flames span 2500 hectares and it is unsafe to send their staff into the vicinity to mitigate the fire.
Residents in the area are advised to stay indoors.
“Keep your indoor air clean. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable. Use an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in a room where you spend a lot of time. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and change it if required,” the alert read.
Residents are also being advised to relocate to parts of the community with clean air like libraries, shopping malls or community centres.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke,” read the alert.
Power went out in the area, and SaskPower sent out a statement on the situation.
“Due to extensive damage and safety concerns regarding the on-going wildfires, power will remain off to the following areas until at least Tuesday May 16th: Dillon, La Loche, Buffalo River, St. Georges Hill, Michel Village and surrounding rural areas. Crews will continue to assess the situation and next update will be posted by 08:00pm this evening. Thank you for your patience,” read the statement.
Since the beginning of 2023, Saskatchewan has seen 161 fires, more than double the five-year average.
“Essentially, because of the drought we had last fall, the moisture just wasn’t in the soil,” Chartrand said. “We just don’t have that water table that we normally have and with the winds, the fires have been taking off.”
He said he expects residents of Buffalo Narrows won’t be able to return home for at least a week.
More to come.
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