Southend wildfire evacuees to start returning home on Thursday

Almost a thousand Southend residents will start returning home on Thursday.

The evacuation order for the northern community, which is home to about 1,168 residents, was issued on August 28 due to the rapidly spreading Merkely Fire, which threatened the community.

According to the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, the fire has been assessed by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and is no longer considered a threat to the community. Highway 102, which leads into Southend, has also been deemed safe. That means the 983 registered evacuees can head back home again after 15 days of uncertainty.

READ MORE:

• Farm fire near Moose Jaw highlights risks of tossing cigarettes from vehicles
• Mounties say there’s no evidence Lytton, B.C., wildfire was arson; cause unknown
• First Nation slams public safety agency as Sandy Bay evacuated due to fire

“Following careful assessments in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, it has been determined that conditions have stabilized, and it is now safe for members to return home,” the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation noted.

“Power, potable water, and sewer systems are fully functional. Essential services, including the RCMP, health services, Northern Store, and two gas stations, are operational and ready for your return.”

Evacuees will board buses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, which will depart for Southend at 9 a.m., the First Nation noted.

The good news for Southend residents follows the end of the evacuation order for Sandy Bay – another Peter Ballantyne community – on Tuesday morning.

More information for Southend evacuees can be found on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation’s website.

According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there are 66 active wildfires burning around the province, 11 of which are considered uncontained.

So far this season, the province has seen 584 wildfires, well above the five-year average of 366.

–with files from larongeNOW