‘We’re fortunate’: Cabins saved in Lower Fishing Lake wildfire, majority of forest burns

The Shoe Fire continues to tear through northern Saskatchewan affecting several communities such as Piprell Lake, East Trout Lake, and Lower Fishing Lake.

Lenore Moen’s cabin at Lower Fishing Lake, 142 km northeast of Prince Albert of Prince Albert, was spared by the fire, but the view from her porch won’t be the same.

Read more:

• Shifting winds, wildfire smoke a huge challenge for Saskatchewan firefighters
• ‘This is the time for all hands on deck in this province, NDP Leader Carla Beck says

She said it was the “heroic effort” of five community members that helped fight the fires to save the place that has been in her husband’s family for 80 years.

“We are deeply indebted to them for risking their lives to do that,” she said.

Moen said for two days community members watered the forest behind the cabins, noting that the province also contributed by adding sprinklers to cabins. The fires came close to a line of cabins but Moen said they were all saved.

Moen lost two boats and said most of the surrounding forest had burned along with the cabin owner’s hall.

“It’s just very devastating to think about going up there again and seeing it all,” she said, noting crews are still continuing to put out hot spots in the area.

Moen said the cabin is her family’s “sanctuary” and she will miss the lakes in the area which have burnt.

“Our children, our grandchildren, just have phenomenal memories of being there.”

Now moving forward, Moen said she is uncertain of what the cleanup will be and has no idea when she will be able to access the property.

“We’re all worried about the smoke damage (we) don’t know what that looks like for the cabins, but that could be definitely something that we may have to deal with,” she said.

Moen said her situation is fortunate compared to those in East Trout Lake experiencing significant loss of cabins and businesses.

“We know so many people that have lost things or could potentially lose things.”

Moen said she and other cabin owners are committed to supporting those still fighting the fires whether through financial contributions, providing food or has, or helping with cleanup.

She urges others to also help support those who are facing a loss from the fires.

“This is just devastating for the entire community,” she said.

“We’re fortunate this is just a cabin, but (for) many people it’s their home that they’re losing.”

Read more:

• Shifting winds, wildfire smoke a huge challenge for Saskatchewan firefighters
• ‘This is the time for all hands on deck in this province, NDP Leader Carla Beck says