The Prince Albert Grand Council will revisit recommendations to the wildfire taskforce, following a significant year for wildfire activity.

Close to 600 fires burned more than 864,000 hectares of land.

Approximately 2200 people were evacuated by the Canadian Red Cross, including Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Shoal Lake Cree Nation, and Red Earth Cree Nation.

“We have made progress with our partners and changes have been made; however, we need to re-shift our thinking around wildfires in the midst of climate change, and it is important that we revisit the recommendations in our wildfire task force report, and look at ways to strengthen our relationship with our partners, and discuss opportunities for a closer and more integrated working relationship that will improve supports in place for disasters in the coming years,” PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.

The recommendations include fire crew configurations, remote camp models, Type 2 and 3 fire crews, climate change factors, and the state of emergency procedures.

The PAGC said it plans to meet wit the Red Cross, fire and government officials soon about the recommendations.

(Photo of a wildfire near La Ronge.)