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Although most wildfire evacuees from the northern Saskatchewan have been allowed to return home, residents of a handful of communities are still being told to stay away because of the threat of the fires.
The communities of Creighton, Flin Flon, Denare Beach, East Trout Lake, Whelan Bay and priority individuals in Cumberland House are still not allowed to go back home.
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The town of Creighton, which is home to just over 1,400 people, has been evacuated for nearly a month. While the town isn’t in any imminent danger of the wildfires, Mayor Blake Fidler said there’s still lots of work that needs to be completed before they can let the evacuees come home.
“The wait right now is to get up some essential services up and running so that we can bring people back, and we are working on a repatriating plan right now,” Fidler explained.
“We’re just waiting for medical services and food services, which are two of the most important things.”
Fidler said the hospital’s closure is a big reason why it’s taking time to get people back to Creighton.
“Because the hospital was totally evacuated and left, they had to have it get assessed. If there’s any cleaning and stuff that has to be done, that will be done as quick as possible and hopefully (we) can have at least the emergency room up and running very soon,” Fidler said.
Fidler said there are still hot spots in the area that pose a danger, but most of the essential services like water and power are fine and weren’t damaged by the fires.
The mayor said he understands that residents may be frustrated, but he’s asking them to be patient for a while longer.
“We’re urging people, don’t try and get back because right now there’s nothing for support. We are working our best to make it safe and to get everybody back home safe,” Fidler said.
“I can understand the frustration and the stress that they’re under, but coming back without services would make it even more stressful and more difficult.”
Fidler said the town is also working to get evacuees the $500 cheques promised by the provincial government.
“From my discussions with Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, they are going to bring the cheques to the community and then they will be dispersed from here, with people showing their ID,” Fidler said.
The mayor said that will likely happen very shortly after the evacuation notice is lifted.
