2023 Wildfire Response
Our members’ safety is our top priority.
Watch Facebook for ongoing updates. Please take care of each other and treat our host facilities with respect.
May 19, 2023
ERFN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT-PATUANAK EVACUATION UPDATE
ERFN Patuanak and the Hamlet of Patuanak have fully evacuated. Buses transported members midday. A team of volunteers has remained in the community to protect homes and care for pets. Security and RCMP are patrolling the community.
The English River First Nation Emergency Management Team received the call from Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency – Wildfire Base Thursday night. It provided a 24-hour warning to prepare for the evacuation of the communities.
Equipment has arrived to help protect the community and SPSA has placed additional crews on the fire.
We are closely monitoring the safety of our volunteers in the community and the Emergency Management Team and Council thanks them for their service.
We ask all our evacuees to be strong and good to each other during this difficult time. Please be respectful of our host facilities.
Masi Cho.
ERFN Emergency Management Team
STATUS UPDATE: May 18, 2023
Currently, the Shaw fire is still listed as not contained.
The Shaw Fire continues to burn but is holding steady at approximately 20 kms west of Patuanak. The current weather forecast is working in our favour with mostly northerly winds.
Heavy smoke has not been present for the last 24 hours; however, that could change at any moment.
We have distributed additional Personal Air Purifier units to those who requested them. If you are in Patuanak and require one, let us know and we will get one out to you. You can contact the Health Centre if you require one.
Currently, there are approximately 170 community members in evacuation centres in North Battleford.
An additional 170 community members have pre-registered last night and today. Pre-registration will continue tomorrow from 1 pm until 4 pm at the Community Hall for those who remain in the communities of Patuanak and ERFN.
We are still unsure of when Priority 1 and 2 residents will be allowed to return home. It is advised that you remain in the evacuation centres until instructed to return home. We are working diligently to ensure that you have activities planned and we are trying to make sure that you remain as comfortable as possible at the evacuation centres.
Our Emergency Management Team continues to monitoring the situation very closely. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we get more information.
We also continue to encourage everyone to register for Voyent Alert to stay updated.
Stay Safe and Be Well!