Saskatchewan Forest Firefighters Sent to the Yukon

Saskatchewan Forest Firefighters Sent to the Yukon

Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 15:00

 

 

The province has dispatched 17 firefighters to the Yukon to help fight forest fires that are affecting people as far away as Black Lake.

 

It was earlier this week that 59 residents of Black Lake found themselves being evacuated to La Ronge as a result of heavy smoke in their community.

 

The group included newborn babies, elders and some residents suffering from respiratory problems.

 

Saskatchewan Environment spokesman John Cook says it was large blazes in northern Alberta, the territories and a few just south of Dawson City that caused the thick smoke in Black Lake and he’s not sure when it will get better.

 

Cook also says, unlike most regions of Saskatchewan, the Athabasca Basin has not been benefiting the recent rains.

 

Cook says it has been a quiet season for fires so far, but that could change in a hurry.

 

He points out 500 lightning strikes were recorded in an area south of Uranium City on Monday alone.

 

He also says 22 fires are currently burning in Saskatchewan, although none are considered especially

serious at this point.