Some wildfire evacuees from the Waterhen Lake First Nation returned home over the weekend, while others must stay away due to health concerns.
The Tuff fire is now estimated at 6,500 hectares, with officials saying the southern portion is now contained, but the northern area is growing.
Marni Williams with the Social Services ministry says 35 members of the First Nation are being housed in a Saskatoon hotel until the air quality improves.
“Social services is providing assistance to 35 health priority evacuees from the Waterhen Lake First Nation. These evacuees are being housed in one hotel in Saskatoon, and will continue to be housed until air quality conditions no longer pose a threat,” Williams said.
Director of Operations of Emergency Management and Fire Safety, Ray Unrau, says the government helped assist other members of the First Nation back into the community over the weekend.
The fire is responsible for torching 13 seasonal cottages in the nearby Flotten subdivision.
(PHOTO: Fire map. Photo courtesy of Government of Saskatchewan.)