‘Incredibly difficult’: Wildfire evacuation order issued for Southend

For the second time in two weeks, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has ordered the evacuation of one of its communities due to a wildfire.

An evacuation order for Southend was issued on Wednesday after a fast-moving wildfire closed the only route into the community. Southend is located about 200 kilometres north of La Ronge and is home to about 1,168 people.

According to the Cree Nation, “556 high-priority individuals and 205 general members” had been relocated from Southend by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and entry into the community has been restricted to essential services only.

Peter Ballantyne Chief Peter Beatty said safety is the top priority as the wildfire moves closer.

“Given the current conditions and the fire’s rapid movement, we are urging everyone in the affected areas to evacuate immediately,” Beatty said in a statement.

“It is incredibly difficult to see so many of our people displaced from their homes once again. We are working closely with emergency services to ensure all residents are safely relocated.”

The fire threatening the community has been dubbed the Merkley Fire by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. According to the agency, the fire is considered uncontained, which means it is expected to grow in size.

According to the agency, there were 67 wildfires burning around the province on Thursday morning, with 10 considered uncontained. The province has seen 539 wildfires so far this year, well ahead of the five-year average, which sits at 347.

Air quality advisories from Environment Canada remained in place on Thursday for Southend and much of northern Saskatchewan due to the heavy wildfire smoke blanketing the area.

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health,” the weather service noted.

Sandy Bay residents remain displaced

The evacuation order for Southend follows a similar order issued for the community of Sandy Bay on August 13.

According to the Cree Nation, about 1,400 band members from Sandy Bay remain displaced due to the Flanagan Fire.

Since that order was issued, the Cree Nation said the Flanagan Fire has doubled in size from 17,418 hectares to 34,707 – 347 square kilometres.

“PBCN extends its deep gratitude to the frontline workers, firefighters, and volunteers who continue to protect its communities during this challenging period,” the Cree Nation said in a statement.