Junction of Highway 106 and 135 Sunday. Photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Department of Highways.
The general evacuation order for Pelican Narrows has been lifted.
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter A. Beatty gave the order at 1:36 Wednesday afternoon on the recommendation of the provincial government.
Roughly, 2,500 members of the community fled nearby wildfires late last month. Most have been staying in Prince Albert, but hundreds have been sheltered in Saskatoon, as well.
However, the band says the evacuation order remains in place for all Priority 1 and 2 individuals as identified by PBCN Health Services, due to continued air quality concerns.
Deanna Valentine with Emergency Social Services says most of the evacuees from Pelican Narrows can go home.
“We expect that the majority of people from Pelican Narrows will be able to go home,” she says. “We may have 1,000 people or less left out. The majority of people will be able to return home.”
The band says all evacuees are required to check in at Prince Albert’s Senator Allan Bird Memorial Centre. Anyone currently being sheltered in Saskatoon is asked to check in at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre for a fuel card and further instructions.
Evacuees are also advised to bring their own supply of groceries wherever possible.
Steve Roberts with Wildfire Management says a combination of work around the fires and changing weather conditions have helped make the nearby wildfires manageable.
“We are seeing no precipitation,” he says. “But we are seeing daytime highs of only 15 with the overnight temperatures in the single digits. And that lower temperature is helping us get a better handle on the fires, as well.”
The band notes the road block is still in effect. However, there will be a series of convoys for vehicles from Highway 135 and 106, starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday for 60 vehicles at a time.
Bus transportation will begin tomorrow, while schools will re-open on Monday.