As wildfires continue to rage across northern Saskatchewan, thousands have been forced from their homes. More than 9,000 residents have been evacuated, with a number of them arriving in the southeast, including right here in Weyburn.
Weyburn-Bengough MLA Mike Weger spoke with Discover Weyburn this morning about the response to the crisis and the important role local residents and businesses are playing.
“No surprise to me at all that the City of Weyburn is willing to do what we can to assist during this very difficult time for residents of Saskatchewan living in northern Saskatchewan,” Weger said. “The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has been in contact with our hotel owners, seeing what rooms they can make available.”
He highlighted how local businesses, such as the Microtel Inn & Suites, quickly stepped up to accommodate evacuees.
“The manager told me how he was able to go into their computer system and free up as many rooms as available when the SPSA contacted him,” Weger explained.
While many in the community are eager to help, Weger noted that the SPSA is handling all direct support for evacuees, including lodging, meals, and grocery vouchers.
“If they're staying in a hotel, everything’s taken care of. If they’re with friends or family, the SPSA has made arrangements for grocery vouchers,” the MLA said.
As for donations, Weger emphasized that the best way to help is through monetary support to the Red Cross.
“I know that people from Weyburn and area are very generous and want to do something. One thing they can do is go to redcross.ca and make a donation there,” he urged. Bringing physical donations to hotels is discouraged, as it can create logistical challenges and confusion for staff and evacuees alike.
Weger also shared insight from a recent visit to Prince Albert, where he toured the SPSA’s Nisbet Depot and met with President Marlo Pritchard, Weyburn’s former Chief of Police.
“It’s a very well-run command post. They have a process, and we just need to trust that process,” Weger said. “I wanted to see firsthand how the operations work and to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff. They've been working overtime.”
He praised the dedication of the response team, including one 40-year veteran who returned from retirement to assist.
“We have a lot of very good people working behind the scenes doing their absolute best to get us through this.”