Northern Communities Evacuated
Monday, June 30, 2008 at 14:38
Hot, windy weather is pushing a forest fire closer and closer to two remote communities in northern Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Environment spokesperson Val Nicholson says the blaze remains about three-and-a-half kilometres from Stony Rapids, but notes that firefighters managed to hold the blaze overnight.
Nicholson adds wind and hot temperatures are major factors in battling the blaze today, and 20 firefighters have been brought in from Ontario to help with the situation.
About 200 people from Stony Rapids and nearby Stony Lake have been moved from their homes to Prince Albert, while 210 residents of Sandy Bay have also been evacuated to the city.
Judy Orthner, with the Ministry of Public Safety, says children, elders and people with chronic conditions like asthma were flown out this morning.
Orthner says the ministry is also keeping a close watch on Pelican Narrows and Black Lake.