A devastating wildfire has forced the evacuation of a First Nation community in Saskatchewan, leaving its residents in urgent need of assistance.
The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) declared a state of emergency on May 18, after a wildfire broke out near the community of Southend. The fire quickly spread, prompting the evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents from the PBCN and the nearby community of Deschambault Lake.
According to PBCN Chief Peter Beatty, the wildfire has destroyed several homes and structures, and has caused significant damage to the community’s infrastructure. The PBCN is now calling for immediate help from the provincial and federal governments to support the evacuated residents and to assist with the recovery efforts.
The Saskatchewan government has already sent resources to help fight the wildfire, including water bombers and ground crews. However, Chief Beatty says that more assistance is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the evacuated residents.
In addition to the physical damage caused by the wildfire, the PBCN is also facing financial strain as a result of the evacuation. The community relies heavily on tourism and resource-based industries, which have been significantly impacted by the evacuation. Chief Beatty is urging the government to provide financial aid to help the PBCN recover from the economic losses.
The PBCN is also calling for long-term solutions to prevent future wildfires from causing such devastation. Chief Beatty emphasized the need for improved fire prevention and management strategies, as well as increased resources for emergency response.
The wildfire in Saskatchewan serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared to respond and support affected communities. The PBCN is now relying on the government to provide the necessary aid and resources to help the community recover from this disaster.
