Sask. wildfire flare-up forces evacuations
More people have been forced to flee northern Saskatchewan communities due to wildfire smoke.
The village of La Loche declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon. The community ordered evacuations for higher-risk individuals. Children under five and pregnant women were also included in the order.
In a notice to the community, the village also said others could choose to evacuate voluntarily.
Buses were scheduled to leave the village Wednesday morning to transport evacuees to Regina.
Nearby Clearwater River Dene Nation also ordered evacuations for high-risk individuals.
Buses started loading up with evacuees just before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to an update from the community on social media.
The buses were heading to a hotel in Cold Lake, according to the update.
In another update, shared late Wednesday morning, the Frist Nation said nine dozers will build a fire guard to the west of the community.
While a recent rainy weather system helped in the fight against the province's wildfires, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) anticipates the risk of wildfire will remain high in the northwest for at least another day.
According to the SPSA, there were 20 active wildfires in the province as of early Wednesday afternoon. Eight of the blazes were considered uncontained.
In an update to media, the SPSA said it continues to support around 264 evacuees from Patuanak and English River, Dillon, Michel Village and St. George’s Hill.
Around 90 people are currently evacuating from the village of La Loche for Regina, the SPSA said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Georgia school shooting suspect was troubled by a broken family, taunting at school, his father said
Both Colt, 14, and Colin Gray, 54, are charged in the killings of two students and two teachers Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, outside Atlanta.
Biden's disastrous debate performance offers lessons for Harris and warnings for Trump
The first and last debate between Biden and Donald Trump started a chain reaction leading to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris replacing Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.
Ontario's first domestic case of human rabies since 1967 confirmed in Brant County
An Ontario resident remains in hospital after testing positive for rabies.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.
Two astronauts are left behind in space as Boeing's troubled capsule returns to Earth empty
Boeing's first astronaut mission ended Friday night with an empty capsule landing and two test pilots still in space, left behind until next year because NASA judged their return too risky.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday
Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
opinion What do you need to do in order to retire early?
Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE) is a growing movement for people looking to retire earlier than the traditional age. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew digs into the origins of the FIRE formula and outlines steps to implement it in your life.