LLRIB-EOC Emergency Update: June 7th, 2025 4:00 p.m.

Issued on Saturday, June 7th, 2025

4:00 p.m.

LLRIB-EOC Emergency Update

LLRIB. — Due to wildfire activities in our region, an ordered evacuation has been put in effect for Hall Lake, Sucker River, Brabant, La Ronge, and Stanley Mission. Only emergency, essential personnel will be permitted to travel north toward the region at this time. Here are the latest updates and urgent messages:

Key Updates from the June 7th Meeting:

CURRENT FIRE STATUS & RESPONSE OPERATIONS

· Multiple active fires continue to threaten LLRIB communities, including the Ditch Fire, Pisew Fire, and flare-ups near Napatak, Stanley Junction, and Hall Lake.

· Weather has helped slightly – moderate rainfall (~30mm) and lighter winds (32–60 km/h) have slowed some fire activity, but the situation remains volatile.

· High-risk areas are too dangerous to station crews due to terrain, fuel, and unpredictable wind.

· Air support is restricted: tanker flights require 2-mile visibility, and thick smoke has grounded aircraft in some zones.

FIRE RESOURCES AND VALUES PROTECTION

· Heavy equipment (cats), sprinklers, and hoses are being deployed in:

· Hall Lake

· Sucker River

· Stanley Mission

· Grandmother’s Bay

· Four FireBoss mini sprinklers have arrived. More hoses and pumps are being transported.

· Skid Units from Global Medic are en route or available for pickup in Prince Albert. Coordination is ongoing.

· Volunteer crews and Wildcat teams are engaged in community-level protection, but more resources are needed to match growing fire threats.

WEATHER & SMOKE CONDITIONS

· Rainfall over the weekend has helped slightly reduce the intensity of flames in some regions.

· Forecast: Showers are expected into early next week. However, fire crews remain cautious as heat could return.

· Smoke remains dense in many areas, restricting visibility and worsening air quality.

· Some power poles have burned, complicating infrastructure protection.

POWER & COMMUNICATIONS

· Power remains out in multiple communities, including areas north of Sucker River. SaskPower is working to replace damaged poles and expects partial restoration by Monday if fire conditions allow.

· SaskTel crews are also on the ground, but no estimated time has been provided for full service restoration.

· Crews will be housed at the Wellness Centre to accelerate restoration efforts.

ROAD CONDITIONS & ACCESS

· Highway 102 Closed – Authorized Personnel Only Beyond Weyakwin

· No public travel northbound past La Ronge. Roadblock in place at Besnard Junction. Only essential workers and emergency vehicles on the clearance list will be allowed through.

· Southbound traffic is permitted through La Ronge.

· For current conditions, call the Highway Hotline: 1-888-335-7623

Essential Access Requests:

· LLRIB, Northern Village of Air Ronge, and Town of La Ronge have designated contacts.

· Please coordinate through your community’s official channels.

EVACUEE SUPPORT & RED CROSS INFO

· Red Cross is coordinating lodging, food, and shelter for evacuees across Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.

· All evacuees from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band are encouraged to register with the Canadian Red Cross. This helps ensure you receive support, lodging, and emergency information.

· Go to https://register.redcross.ca/.../saskatchewan-wildfires.../, or Scan the QR code below to register:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582. This number can be used for everything from registration to getting information about Red Cross-supported evacuation sites and services.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mental wellness visits are being arranged for evacuees in Regina and Saskatoon. Support lines are also being shared through local hotel contacts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

· Self-evacuated families staying with relatives are still eligible for help – reach out to the Red Cross at the number above.

REMINDER: This emergency is still unfolding. Please remain vigilant, reduce travel, and follow updates. We thank all frontline responders for their dedication and courage.

Thank you to everyone working on the front lines and supporting our communities and community members 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