As evacuees return home after being displaced from the northern wildfires, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) offered some tips to those who are returning home as a part of their update on Tuesday.
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Wait for official clearance before re-entering.
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Be prepared to experience grief and loss.
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Watch for hazards such as debris, fallen trees or damaged roads.
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Stay 10 metres away from downed power lines.
It's also important to do safety checks on homes:
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Have utilities inspected by professionals before turning them on.
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Assess structural safety before entering your home.
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Test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as needed.
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Dispose of spoiled food immediately.
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Document damage for insurance claims.
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Test well water before using.
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Check for boiling water advisories.
Additional information is available with the SPSA's Wildfire Emergency Planning Fact Sheet.
As of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, there are 60 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, six are categorized as contained, 11 are not contained, 25 are ongoing assessments and 18 are listed as protecting values.
Twelve communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Northern Hamlet of Jans Bay, Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Canoe Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, Northern Hamlet of Cole Bay and Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake.
The SPSA reminds the public that the fire ban between the Provincial Forest Boundary and Churchill River remains in effect.