There are still 87 active wildfires burning across Saskatchewan as of 10:30 a.m. on August 7, according to the provincial government’s latest update on the wildfire situation.
Of those active fires, five are categorized as contained, 21 are not contained, 45 are being assessed on an ongoing basis and firefighters were “protecting values” (ie. preventing fires from destroying cabins and infrastructure) in 16.
The previous wildfire update stated that there were 80 active wildfires burning throughout the province, including 15 that were not contained.
Thirteen communities are currently under an evacuation order: the Northern Village of La Loche, Clearwater River Dene Nation, Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Hamlet of Jans Bay, Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Canoe Narrows, Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake, as well as priority individuals from the Northern Village of Beauval, Northern Hamlet of Cole Bay and Île-à-la-Crosse.
That equates to approximately 3,200 people currently evacuated from their communities.
Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 line for assistance.
Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.
The number of values impacted this year currently stands at 2,160, with the majority of these losses being in the Denare Beach and East Trout Lake areas.