LA RONGE — A fresh air shelter has opened at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) arena to support residents affected by wildfire smoke in the region.
In a notice from the La Ronge Tri-Community, it stated: “The shelter is equipped with air scrubbers to help filter smoke and improve indoor air quality. This safe space has been opened out of caution and care for those most impacted by the smoke — Elders, children, and individuals with health conditions.”
The JRMCC shelter is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the notice emphasized that all residents from the tri-communities — La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band — are welcome.
The shelter provides:
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Clean, filtered air
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Food and drinks served throughout the day
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Tables, chairs and a comfortable rest area
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Transportation support for those who need it
“Please share this information with family, friends and neighbours who may need support,” said Leon Charles, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Emergency Response Coordinator.
"Early this morning around 2 a.m. the air quality hit 1000 AQI due to the wildfire smoke in the area. Around that same time the department responded to four fire alarms ringing due to wildfire smoke entering homes.To try and limit department responses, we are asking residents to try and keep your windows closed during extreme smoky conditions in an effort to prevent false fire alarms," said the La Ronge Regional Fire Department. "The days are hot so we understand residents open their windows at night to try and cool down your homes. That being said if you have other means of trying to stay cool such as fans and AC please use that as much as possible. During the hot days, try to keep your window curtains closed as well."
La Ronge and surrounding areas have experienced multiple air quality advisories this summer due to ongoing wildfires across northern Saskatchewan. The community has been proactive in offering public health support during such events, including opening clean air shelters during previous wildfire seasons according the SPSA.
