The province has asked the federal government for aid with battling wildfires in northern Saskatchewan, confirmed Tim McLeod, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, during a media briefing Monday.
McLeod said the provincial government asked for two base camp to support firefighting crews and tents for up to 200 people. In addition, he said they continue to be in daily contact with the federal government.
“Those requests have been communicated to the federal government,” said McLeod. “I spoke with both the Federal Minister of Public Safety and the Federal Minister of Emergency Management this morning on how we can align the needs of our province and the resources they can offer.”
The base camps would be established for working crews as they go back into the communities and they’re rebuilding. The camps would have sleeping quarters, cooking and bathroom facilities.
McLeod said a larger one, that would accommodate 100 to 150 workers would like be at Denare Beach with a smaller one for 50 to 100 people at Weyakwin or La Ronge area.
The NDP opposition has slammed the provincial government and called on Premier Scott Moe to request federal military assistance.
“People are losing everything, and the weather isn’t letting up,” said Beck. “The federal government has made it clear that help is available. There’s no reason to leave that help on the table.”
But McLeod said the province is asking for help with what is needed and the federal government is offering what they have.
“It’s unfortunate the NDP want to be political about it. Lives matter and communities are at stake and we are doing everything possible.”
More than 11,000 people have been forced from their homes. Thirty-three communities in northern Saskatchewan are on evacuation alert.
Steve Roberts, vice-president of operations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), said so far 295 values have been confirmed lost or damaged but they are the SPSA are still doing assessments.
Residents seeking information on wildfire activity and evacuations are advised to call the SPSA’s toll-free number at 1-855-559-5502 or visit the agency’s public website. For travel updates, officials recommend consulting the provincial highway hotline and avoiding travel into fire-affected regions unless absolutely necessary.
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