Northern communities bracing for forest fire conditions as snow melts

Almost a year after people were forced to evacuate Buffalo Narrows because of wildfires, the community’s mayor is feeling confident it will be in a better situation this year when it comes to dealing with the threat of wildfires.

“We don’t currently have a fire ban,” said Mayor Sandy Ericson. “We still have a lot of snow. We’ve been getting quite a bit of precipitation over the last month after having a very dry winter, so we’re praying for more.”

Last year, the community was hit with wildfires after a quick melt and dry conditions in late April and early May.

The fire engulfed large parts of the area, causing poor air quality and the loss of electricity for four days.

Ericson said the community has updated its emergency plan in case fires break out again in the region this year.

“We’ve always had a fire plan, but last year was such an unusual season,” she said. “We’re working on our fire breaks surrounding the community. The SPSA (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency) has already been working on a fire break across the bridge and we’re hoping to get started on ours right away here north of town near La Loche.”

Ericson’s community was evacuated for two weeks after fires raged nearby. She said this was the first time in her 10 years living in the area that a mandatory evacuation was implemented.

In order to be prepared, Ericson suggested the community is continuing to chat with the SPSA about what the future could hold. On Thursday, firefighters started training to deal with forest fires in the community.

With dry conditions likely to return, Ericson hopes people are aware of their surroundings and careful with their actions.

“It was really dry last year,” she said. “Our water level was really low and it only takes a spark. People have to be a little more careful when they’re making fires and make sure they aren’t throwing cigarettes out of the vehicle.”

She’s hopeful Mother Nature can help the community avoid a repeat of last year.

“If we can get some rain every second day, I’d be happy,” she said.

The community of Meadow Lake is already bracing for what could be an active wildfire season.

The community is 2 1/2 hours away from Buffalo Narrows, but already has put a fire ban in place. It went into effect March 27.

Richard Levesque, the administrator for Meadow Lake, said officials decided to put their fire ban in place early after the area struggled to accumulate snowfall.

“We had one major snowstorm (in early March) and that was it and it’s all disappeared now,” Levesque said. “It’s basically just dry grass and forest areas. With the stronger winds we seem to be getting now, there’s lots of risk for wildfires now.”

Levesque mentioned the community is preparing the best it can for whatever comes its way.

“We have good communication with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and they’re our aid for whenever we need assistance,” he explained.

Levesque said his community isn’t usually prone to fires, but he notes he’s concerned for what could come.

“With the lack of moisture and increased wind speeds – yes, it is very concerning,” he said.