Forest Fires Lead To Evacuations In Missinipe
Thursday, July 06, 2006 at 14:40
Sixty people have been evacuated from another northern Saskatchewan community threatened by forest fires.
Yesterday’s evacuation involved some residents of Missinipe, although several people remain in the community.
The large McNichol Fire is in the vicinity, but it’s not directly threatening Missinipe.
The evacuation brings the total number of evacuees in the North to over 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents of La Ronge are dealing with the heaviest smoke they’ve seen since the forest fire crisis began last week.
Government officials say the sudden appearance of heavy smoke is due completely to a wind shift overnight.
The closest fire, the English fire, is still several kilometres away.
In fact, Saskatchewan Environment spokesman Steve Roberts says none of the fires north of La Ronge have advanced recently.
However, the weather continues to be a cause for concern for those fighting forest fires, particularly north of La Ronge.
La Ronge set a new record for July 5th when the mercury hit 33 degrees Celsius yesterday. It’s supposed to reach 33 degrees again today.
Environment Canada initially said there was a chance of showers in the area today, but it’s now calling for sunny skies. However, there is a strong likelihood of showers tomorrow afternoon.
There is also a risk of thunderstorms in the region tomorrow, and it appears there were more lightning strikes in the region last night that may have sparked new fires.
Saskatchewan Environment is reporting 13 new fires today, bringing the total burning in the province right now to 121.
Meantime, fire crews and local residents continue to try to protect the oldest known building in the province — the Holy Trinity Anglican church in Stanley Mission.
There is only about 50 people left in Stanley Mission, since most have fled the heavy smoke caused by several forest fires in the region.
Environment spokesman Steve Roberts says the closest fire is at least five kilometres away, but sprinklers have been set up on the church as a precaution.
Meanwhile, a band councillor from the community is reporting that dry lightning caused new fire starts on the west side of Stanley Mission. Low visibility from the heavy smoke has prevented air crews from assessing these fires, but according to Brian Hardlotte, “they are not small”.