'We're getting tired of being displaced fire refugees': Patuanak, Sask., evacuates due to wildfire

Emergency teams reopened the only road into Patuanak early Monday, allowing residents to evacuate as wildfires continue to threaten parts of northern Saskatchewan.

Residents of the hamlet about 425 kilometres north of Saskatoon had been trapped there since Highway 918 was closed more than a week ago due to the Muskeg fire.

They were instructed to muster at the band hall at 4 a.m. Monday, then convoyed south at the same time that firefighting equipment was being transported north to the community.

"We can't trust that [the equipment] is going to be able to get there after today," Candyce Paul, the emergency management co-ordinator for English River First Nation, said on Monday. "That's why we moved quickly to get our people out in the wee hours of this morning."

Only firefighters and a handful of emergency personnel remain to maintain critical services and assist incoming fire crews.

Late last week, about 280 residents and children were airlifted out. About another 220 people evacuated Monday. 

Those newly evacuated are now being housed in Lloydminster, while those evacuated earlier are staying in Cold Lake, Alta. Paul said the rapid response by community staff helped ensure the safety of residents, but major concerns remain about resources.

"The province needs to put more money into the resources that we need to fight fires in the north," Paul said, "because this is our third year of fire affecting our communities.

"We're getting tired of being displaced fire refugees."

Paul said crews are still struggling to get enough bulldozers, water trucks and firefighting personnel into the community. The fire is moving quickly, and conditions are unpredictable with strong southern winds expected to push the flames north over the next three days.

She said the region has already lost vast stretches of forest and cultural resources in recent years — including food sources, wildlife habitat and traditional medicine grounds.

"The only places that aren't burnt in our area are along that 918 corridor," she said. "That's all that's left to burn."

Parks Canada issued a wildfire emergency advisory alert for Prince Albert National Park on Sunday, as the Buhl fire is threatening the region. The fire is about 40 kilometres from the Waskesiu townsite, and could impact air quality and visibility due to smoke.

Officials are advising visitors to avoid travel to the park and for those already in the area to prepare for a possible evacuation.