Residents across the Prairies flee, others on edge due to wildfire threats

In remote locations from Alberta to Manitoba, wildfires forced residents from their homes Tuesday while others remained on edge as flames inched closer to their communities.

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan imposed an evacuation order for more than 1,800 residents of Pelican Narrows, 412 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

“Conditions have worsened significantly, and the safety of our members is the top priority,” it said in a statement.

They were to flee to PAGC Urban Services, also known as the Margo Fournier Centre, in Prince Albert.

In the northern community of Hall Lake, more than 380 people left Monday due to a separate wildfire. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band said in a statement there’s a contingency plan for those who stayed behind.

It said the public safety agency is conducting a controlled back burn to help contain the wildfire.

There were 21 active wildfires in Saskatchewan, with some resulting in highway closures. Crews were providing emergency support for 12 fires.

In northern Manitoba, about 600 residents from the town of Lynn Lake, 775 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, were ordered out due to a rapidly advancing wildfire, estimated to be 7,000 hectares in size.

Those fleeing were to rendezvous at the community centre in Thompson with any and all identification, medication and other necessary supplies.

The evacuations in Manitoba come less than two weeks after a pair of devastating wildfires, including one near the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet that forced close to 1,000 people to flee, destroying 28 homes and cottages. Two people were killed in the blaze.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who was in Ottawa to greet King Charles after his throne speech, said he discussed the recent fires with him.

"Before he left, he said we need Indigenous wisdom," Kinew said on social media.

In north-central Alberta, the 1,300 residents of Swan Hills were ordered to leave Monday night ahead of an advancing, wind-whipped fire.

People living in the town 175 kilometres northwest of Edmonton were to register at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt, Alta.

Whitecourt Mayor Tom Pickard said a little more than 700 people have registered since evacuations began. Some are staying at local hotels while others are staying with family and friends.

He said many restaurants, grocery stores and hotels in town are doing their part to help.

"People in Whitecourt are hard-working, compassionate people," he said Tuesday, noting that it's not the first time his community has hosted evacuees.

"When they can help others, they do."

Alberta Wildfire officials said fire activity was low overnight, but was expected to increase through the day Tuesday, with hot, dry and windy conditions.

"Firefighters, helicopters, air tankers and heavy equipment operators continue to focus on reducing the spread of the wildfire," officials said, adding that additional firefighters and a water delivery system are being deployed.

Also Tuesday, people living southeast of Hinton, Alta., were told to prepare for a possible evacuation because of an out-of-control fire burning west of the former coal mining town of Mercoal. That fire is estimated to be 284 hectares in size.

Wildfire officials say this week's weather forecast, with higher temperatures and lower humidity, could create favourable conditions for fire activity.

Winds are expected to come from the west, possibly moving any fire activity towards the east, they said.

"Firefighters will continue to contain the wildfire with the assistance of heavy equipment and helicopters. They'll be searching for and extinguishing hot spots. Air tankers are available if required."

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle