Wildfire Safety Measures in Effect for Hall Lake, Sikachu and Clam Bridge

HALL LAKE, Sask. — The Hall Lake Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held its daily meeting regarding the wildfire response and evacuation planning for Hall Lake and surrounding areas. Representatives from LLRIB, PAGC, SPSA, the Red Cross, SFNEM, NITHA, RCMP and other health and emergency service partners participated. This update provides the latest information regarding wildfire activity, evacuation planning, and community safety.

Key Updates from the May 26 Meeting:

Wildfire Situation

· The wildfire has expanded rapidly from 14,000 to 44,000 hectares in just 24 hours.

· Fire intensity is rated at Level 5 to 6, with zero containment reported.

· A strategic back burn is being conducted today by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) to help suppress the wildfire by eliminating nearby fuel sources.

· This is a critical operation aimed at protecting Hall Lake and nearby power lines.

Weather & Air Quality Forecast

· May 26-28: High temperatures, low humidity, and strong shifting winds are forecast.

· Wind changes expected by late May 27 or early May 28 could push the fire in new directions and worsen smoke conditions.

· Air quality in Hall Lake remains low to moderate but may deteriorate quickly.

· Surrounding areas (La Ronge, Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay) have already experienced elevated smoke levels.

· An air quality advisory will be issued for north-central and northeastern Saskatchewan.

Health Tip: If you or your family members are experiencing breathing difficulties or health symptoms related to smoke, please seek medical attention promptly.

Emergency Response and Resource Updates

· Firefighting efforts include:

➤ 6 water trucks, 5 dozers, 1 nodwell, 2 medium helicopters, 2 intermediate helicopters

➤ 8 Type 1 crews, 18 Type 2 crews, and support staff.

· A Type 3 firefighter course and certification is ongoing at the Anglican Church in La Ronge to ensure personnel readiness.

· Morning Lake evacuation successfully removed 31 individuals, despite challenging conditions.

Evacuation Update & Contingency Planning

· 384 community members have already been evacuated. Transportation supports remain available.

· For those remaining in the community, a contingency plan remains in place to protect residents should the back burn not go as expected.

· Muster Point & Meeting Place (If Needed):

➤ All residents are asked to report to Hall Lake School if evacuation becomes necessary.

➤ Evacuees will be transported to La Ronge, where further arrangements will be coordinated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

· There is active wildfire activity in the Hall Lake area, with limited emergency resources.

· DO NOT travel into the Hall Lake area at this time, to ensure emergency teams can operate safely and effectively.

· The SPSA is advising residents from Besnard Lake, Clam Lake, Trivet Lake, and Morning Lake to avoid entering the affected zone until further notice.

What You Need to Know:

The community is under a mandatory evacuation.