Community Notice
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Hall Lake, Sikachu Lake & Clam Bridge Wildfire Emergency Update
HALL LAKE, LLRIB. — Here are the latest updates on the ongoing wildfire emergency, community support, and evacuation coordination:
Key Updates from the June 1 Meeting:
Wildfire Status and Response Efforts· The Pisew wildfire is 25 kms away, and continues to burn with intensity class 5–6, but growth has been limited due to heavy smoke and burned-over areas.
· Crews are actively working to tie off the fire before it reaches Clam Lake. Some cabins have been lost, though others were saved.
· Another ignition operation is being planned on the eastern side of the fire to tie into natural breaks, pending further discussion.
Wildfire Status and Firefighting Efforts· Wildfires continue to burn across the region, including near Clam Lake, Besnard Lake, and La Ronge, with fire intensity ranked at Class 4–5.
· High winds (gusting to 70 km/h), low humidity, and dry fuel are contributing to rapid fire growth, with some overnight fire runs exceeding 30 km.
· Crews from Saskatchewan and British Columbia are on site, including 20 Type 1 initial attack firefighters, with more personnel and equipment arriving.
· Value protection units are deployed in Clam Lake, Sikachu, and Hall Lake.
Equipment and Resources· Equipment shortages persist. Six water trucks, six dozers, and a growing team of Type 2 and 3 firefighters are active.
· More value protection equipment is expected to arrive in Prince Albert on June 2.
· Mutual aid agreements are in effect between regions. Communities are encouraged to set up their own sprinklers where possible.
Firefighter Training and Staffing· Ongoing training continues in Prince Albert despite staffing limitations.
· Improvements to firefighter payment timelines are underway.
· More training will be offered in non-threatened communities.
Smoke Impacts and Health Updates· Smoke levels remain moderate to high due to western and Alberta fires. PM2.5 readings are elevated.
· Air quality is expected to improve after midnight on June 1, but may fluctuate.
· Fresh air shelters are available, and air scrubbers are functioning in long-term care, detox, and acute care facilities.
· Please seek medical help if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent cough.
Evacuees and Red Cross Support· As of May 31, 3,916 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross:
· 284 from Hall Lake
· 2,248 from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
· 1,383 from other communities
· Those in Creighton, Denare Beach, Flin Flon, Brandon, or Winnipeg can still register if they are Saskatchewan residents. Contact details will be shared.
Safety and Return Timeline· There is no timeline yet for return. Clearance must come from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
· Priority 1 and 2 clients may remain out longer due to air quality concerns.
· Please continue to shelter in place and await updates from leadership.
Fresh Air Shelter at JRMCC Arena in La RongeA Fresh Air Shelter is open at JRMCC Arena to support community members impacted by poor air quality due to wildfire smoke in the region. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Leon J. Charles, Emergency Response Coordinator – 306-420-9499 Yvonne Roberts – 306-420-8936 Joe Ratt – 306-207-4446 Leonard Halkett – 306-420-4484 Leonard Halkett Jr. – 306-420-0674 Councillor Norman Ross – 306-420-9063Thank you to everyone working on the front lines and supporting our community during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
— Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre
