The True Post (Web News) Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several areas due to a rapidly spreading wildfire near Shellbrook in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
Residents have been advised to evacuate immediately due to the rapid spread of the fire and fears of it moving towards the population. According to an emergency alert issued on Saturday morning, residents of areas located from one mile west to five miles east of Shellbrook and south of Highway No. 3 were ordered to immediately evacuate the area.
Officials say the wildfire is moving northwest and a delay in evacuation could prove to be life-threatening for citizens. According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there are currently 11 wildfires burning across the province. Six of these fires are out of control, while three are under control to some extent. One fire is being assessed, while at one point the focus is on protecting homes and infrastructure.
Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said that at one point the fire had reached just seven miles from Shellbrook and was moving towards the city. However, firefighters are hopeful that the fire will be stopped before it reaches the population. He said that the ash fall in the area also raised concerns about the power transmission system, which resulted in the evacuation of some people from a hospital and a care center to safer places. Ground and air operations are underway to control the fire. Water jets, helicopters and air tankers are continuously participating in the rescue operations.
According to authorities, the fire, called “Lob Stick”, was reported last Tuesday and an investigation revealed that it was caused by lightning. Citizens have been instructed to monitor government announcements and not return to evacuated areas until permission is given. Authorities have warned that ignoring evacuation orders could put the lives of not only citizens but also rescue workers at risk.
