LLRIB-EOC Emergency Update: June 8th, 2025 2:28 p.m.

Issued on Sunday, June 8th, 2025

2:28 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 and La Ronge. 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 8th Meeting:

CURRENT WILDFIRE STATUS & RESPONSE

• The Pisew Fire continues to burn aggressively, now covering 110,485 hectares.

• Active fire zones include: Napatak, Potato Lake, Hall Lake, Waden Bay, and Sucker River.

• Air support is limited due to smoke and wind, but ground crews are building dozer guards, deploying sprinkler systems, and protecting structures.

• Over 650 km of uncontained fire remain; suppression work is focused on critical zones.

Fire Resources Deployed:

• Type 3 firefighters from Onion Lake, Wahpeton, Dillon, Prince Albert, and Stanley Mission.

• Firefighting equipment includes: 2 wildfire skid units, 1000+ feet of hose, sprinkler trailers, wildfire guns.

• Additional support from North Battleford and RM of Buckland now active.

• PPE needs continue to be flagged for arriving crews.

WEATHER & RISK CONDITIONS

• Light rain (approx. 25mm) has fallen but not enough to ease fire risk.

• Northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h may worsen conditions.

• The next 24–48 hours are critical for operations planning.

• Air quality remains poor across the region due to heavy smoke.

POWER, INFRASTRUCTURE & ROADS

· Power restoration efforts continue for North of the La Ronge Airport. The power will be off from 9 a.m - 6 p.m daily for the next three days.

· Resources will be deployed to and around the Clam Bridge area

· Coordination is ongoing to reimburse households for food spoilage during outages.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

· Highway 102 Closed – Authorized Personnel Only Beyond Weyakwin.

· Southbound traffic remains open.

· 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.

Transportation:

· Red Cross buses running in Regina.

· Free public transit for evacuees in Prince Albert.

· Saskatoon transport arrangements underway.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & SAFETY

• Nursing support available in Regina, with med bags distributed (Tylenol, bandages, etc.)

• Physicians available for virtual consultations: call La Ronge Medical Clinic at 306-425-2174 (10AM–4PM).

• Emergency services are active at La Ronge EMS.

• Mental health wellness checks and surge staff support ongoing at hotels.

• Please report urgent concerns to Red Cross hotel leads or EOC contacts.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Security is in place at evacuation sites. RCMP and local companies are monitoring.

• Reports of break-ins in La Ronge and near abductions at hotels are being investigated.

• Do not rely on social media for emergency alerts. Use official channels only.

• Essential worker lists are used at check-points – wristbands are no longer accepted.

SUPPLY & LOGISTICS

• Groceries and medicine deliveries are ongoing. If you are not receiving supplies, contact your Band office to be added to the Green Card supply list.

• Volunteer drivers are helping coordinate deliveries in Saskatoon and Regina.

RETURN PLANNING & COMMUNITY RECOVERY

• Planning underway to safely return community members when conditions improve.

• Priorities: fuel, food, natural gas, power, and hospital reactivation.

• No return dates confirmed yet – updates will be issued via official channels only.

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.

OTHER REMINDERS

• No gas cards are being distributed at Cottage 11.

• Bracelet colors are no longer valid; clearance is list-based only.

• Garbage truck replacement for Sucker River is expected in July.

• Contact person assigned for Grandmother’s Bay deliveries.

• Site lead to be assigned in Regina to support evacuees.

REMINDER: This emergency is still unfolding. Please remain vigilant, reduce travel, and follow updates.

Thank you to all the volunteers, frontline workers, and partner organizations. Your continued patience and unity are vital as we face these difficult days together.

We will share further updates as they become available.

— Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre