Wildfires are posing a threat in the Moosomin and Saulteaux First Nation areas, north of the Battlefords. (Ministry of Environment)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Looking for assistance

‘High severity’ wildfires causing issues in the Moosomin and Saulteaux First Nation area

May 3, 2023 | 7:15 PM

Wildfires are currently active in the Moosomin First Nation and Saulteaux First Nation areas.

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) said in a media release today, that urgent suppression is needed.

“A high severity fire has burned about 7,000 acres and is still burning, posing a significant threat to the Nation of Moosomin,” BATC said.

Neighbouring Saulteaux First Nation is also at risk.

The current hot, dry weather conditions, along with consistent winds, have made suppression efforts challenging.

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“We are urging residents to be vigilant and remain alert to any changes in the fire’s behavior,” BATC said. “An evacuation plan in is place should there be a need to evacuate the residents.”

Residents are encouraged to be prepared and have their medications and clothing ready in case of an evacuation.

The suppression efforts are ongoing, and there is an urgent need for more resources to contain the fire.

If anyone wants to help, they are asked to contact Steve Vandall with BATC at 306-980-5773.

Vandall told battlefordsNOW that more fire suppression support and food donations would be appreciated.

“It could be anything – food, volunteering, if they have a volunteer fire department, or if they are a farmer maybe,” he said.

North Battleford’s Fire Department has crews at the locations working to battle the fires. Volunteer firefighters with Moosomin First Nation and Saulteaux First Nation, and crews from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) with the province, are also assisting.

But additional fire suppression tools and personnel are required. Water trucks, fire suppression apparatuses, etc. are urgently needed.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

–

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow