People evacuating from northern Saskatchewan have been finding shelter in a number of communities as the wildfires continue to rage, and Estevan says it's ready to help when needed. So far, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) says around 15,000 people have had to evacuate, settling into other communities while firefighters work to keep their homes safe.
Here in Estevan, we have yet to receive any of these evacuees, but EMO Coordinator Helen Fornwald says they're ready to receive them if necessary.
"What happens is SPSA, they assign the communities for the locations of evacuees to be supported. So right now, Weyburn, they've set up their evacuation center, the Travelodge. Of course, Regina, Saskatoon, and bigger areas like that [are included]. But we're just in a holding pattern right now, and we will wait for further direction on whether Estevan will be a center for the north evacuees."
Fornwald says she's in constant communication with the SPSA as she's waiting to hear if Estevna is chosen as a site for evacuees.
She's convinced that, if selected, Estevan will do everything it can to help those in need.
"Really, it's just until we know more information, we're just getting ready to support them in any way we can."
Fornwald says she hopes to see plenty of rain come through soon to help stop those wildfires in their tracks.