Residents of Red Earth Cree Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation in east-central Saskatchewan are now permitted to return to their homes. Evacuation orders, enacted late last week due to wildfire activity, air quality concerns, and road access issues, have been rescinded.

Wildfire No Longer Poses Threat

A statement released on behalf of the Red Earth Cree Nation Chief and Council confirmed that the wildfire is no longer considered a threat to the community. “The wildfire has now been deemed no longer a threat to Red Earth Cree Nation,” the statement indicated.

Arrangements are in place for returning residents. Transportation via bus back to Red Earth Cree Nation commenced on Wednesday. Individuals who self-evacuated by vehicle were also cleared to return to the community on the evening of the announcement.

Shoal Lake Cree Nation Also Reopens

Further confirmation from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) at a news conference on Wednesday revealed that Shoal Lake Cree Nation has also lifted its evacuation order. Bryan Chartrand, executive director of land operations at the SPSA, stated, “Everybody from Red Earth and Shoal Lake are returning home.”

Chartrand acknowledged that while some hotspots remain, efforts are underway to address them. “We had it scanned, there are some hotspots but we’re hoping to have those dealt with,” he commented.

Evacuation Context

The evacuation for Red Earth Cree Nation was initiated on Saturday afternoon, following the declaration of a state of emergency due to the advancing blaze. Reports indicated that the wildfire had spread to within approximately three kilometers of Highway 55, posing a significant risk to access routes in and out of the community.

During the evacuation period, displaced residents were sheltered in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert.