Community Notice
Thursday, May 29th, 2025
12:35 p.m.
Hall Lake, Sikachu Lake & Clam Bridge Wildfire Emergency Update
HALL LAKE, Sikachu Lake, Clam Bridge LLRIB. — Here are the latest updates on the ongoing wildfire emergency, community support, and evacuation coordination:
Key Updates from the May 29 Meeting:
Wildfire Status and Response Efforts· The Pisew wildfire 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.
· Mapping of the fire’s exact size will be completed once visibility improves.
· Another ignition operation is being planned on the eastern side of the fire to tie into natural breaks, pending further discussion.
Firefighting Resources· Crews are stationed along Highway 165 and in Hall Lake, with support from local and out-of-province teams.
· Resources deployed include 10 Type 1 crews, 23 Type 2, 5 Type 3, 6 dozers, 5 water trucks, 473 hoses, 34 sprinkler kits, 32 Mark 3 pumps, 5 rotary aircraft, and 1 fixed wing aircraft.
· Crews are working 15–16 hour shifts with 12 days on and 2 days off, prioritizing safety and rest.
Weather and Fire Behavior Forecast· Conditions remain extreme with temperatures up to 34°C, RH as low as 15%, and wind gusts up to 35 km/h.
· A cold front is expected tomorrow with light rain (up to 10 mm possible) and thunderstorms, but there is also a risk of dry lightning.
Evacuation and Community Safety· 384 individuals have been evacuated. Priority 1 and 2 individuals have already been relocated.
· The fire is approximately 4.5 km from the bridge and 10 km from Sikachu, but there is no immediate threat at this time.
· Evacuees are advised to remain where they are until further notice.
Air Quality and Health Advisory
· Firefighting equipment is fully deployed; restocking is expected by June 5, 2025.
· Air scrubbers are operating in community halls and clinics. Smoke conditions remain moderate.
· Requests have been made for additional PurpleAir monitors in Clam Bridge and Sikachu.
· Current PM2.5 readings do not support a large-scale evacuation due to smoke, but sensitive individuals should take precautions.
Travel and Road Conditions· Highway 165 has reopened but remains under close watch.
· Besnard Lake Road remains closed.
· Community members are asked to drive slowly along Highway 165 due to crews and aircraft in the area.
Evacuee Support and Coordination· Red Cross is coordinating support in Regina and Saskatoon. Hygiene kits are being delivered.
· Evacuees facing registration or accommodation issues should contact Red Cross liaison Lauren directly.
· Confirmation is pending on whether Red Cross can cover long-term care costs; ISC or EMAP will reimburse if needed.
National Coordination and Advocacy· A joint emergency declaration has been issued by LLRIB, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Montreal Lake Cree Nation. This has gained national attention.
· National Chief Cindy Woodstock, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte and Chief Bobby Cameron are advocating for more resources and local personnel to be hired with the Prime Minister and Premier Scott Moe.
Fresh Air Shelter at JRMCC Arena in La RongeA Fresh Air Shelter is now 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
The shelter is equipped with air scrubbers to help filter smoke and improve indoor air quality. This safe space has been opened out of caution and care for those most impacted by the smoke—Elders, children, and individuals with health conditions.
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.
Stay safe and look after each other,
— Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre
