Hundreds to return home after Saskatchewan wildfire evacuation orders lifted
Hundreds of wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan are to return home as heavy smoke in the northern region appears to have subsided.
Community leaders say they have lifted most evacuation orders for Buffalo Narrows, Buffalo River Dene Nation and Ile-a-la-Crosse.
Air quality statements in those communities are rated as low risk as of Thursday afternoon.
Buffalo Narrows Mayor Sandy Ericson says most of the roughly 600 people who fled the area are expected to return home.
She says people with health issues or young children can still stay back in case they need supports.
Buffalo River Dene Nation Chief Norma Catarat says 411 people returned home as of Wednesday evening and more are expected to make their way back.
Catarat said 200 members are to remain in Lloydminster, where they are receiving supports.
She said those required to stay back either have health issues, are elders or have children under five years old.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is not expected to provide an update on Thursday.
The agency's website says that as of Thursday afternoon, crews were battling 24 fires. Six of them are contained and three require crews to protect property.
Officials have said some rain and cooler temperatures have helped firefighters battle the flames.
The agency lifted a provincial fire ban on Wednesday, though northern communities continue to have local bans and restrictions in place.
The agency has been supporting hundreds of people from the region over the past week in Lloydminster, North Battleford and Regina.
Ericson said people in her community are feeling relieved to be able to return home.
"People are very happy," she said. "It has been a long wait to come here and the air quality has improved significantly."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.