Nilson Says Stony Wasn’t Prepared For Noel Fire
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 14:59
Environment Minister John Nilson says Stony Rapids didn’t do enough to prepare for a forest fire that threatened the community this summer.
John Nilson says the community had not yet completed work on such things as setting up fire breaks that could have protected it.
Nilson says the province provides overall professional advice and assistance if it’s needed.
But he adds, most of the time, it’s a local community’s responsibility to take the necessary steps for fire protection.
Nearly 800 residents from Stony Rapids, Fond-du-Lac and Black Lake were forced from their homes in June by a raging forest fire and heavy smoke.
Saskatchewan Environment has been accused of mishandling the situation and delaying fighting the blaze because its policy is to let fires burn if they are more than 20 kilometres away from a community.
(with files from The Canadian Press)