REGINA — With the ongoing wildfires rampaging through Saskatchewan, Regina has become a spot for many evacuees to take shelter.
At a media event on Tuesday, Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson said the city has taken in approximately 700 evacuees
“They're coming from a lot of communities, so Pelican Narrows [and] La Ronge. There's probably at least half a dozen to ten communities [here].”
A state of emergency was declared in Pelican Narrows last week, ordering nearly 2,000 residents to leave the community.
As for La Ronge, the town and surrounding areas were ordered to evacuate on Monday.
Evacuees are taking shelter at the University of Regina (U of R), hotels and other places, said Jackson.
“We welcome you with open arms, and yes, Regina's a safe haven,” said Jackson, speaking to those needing shelter.
Jackson noted Regina Fire is primarily collaborating with the Canadian Red Cross to help find shelter for evacuees.
The Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) is also setting up 300 to 500 beds to take in people as of Tuesday.
Jackson was asked if there were any concerns about reaching a limit for the space available to take in evacuees.
“That's a difficult question also because if the agencies start to move to considering and opening more congregate shelters, then that obviously increases the capacity.”
As for helping with the fires in northern Sask., Jackson said Regina Fire hasn’t received any formal requests yet.
Although Jackson said big cities like Regina and Saskatoon would likely be part of the Sask. Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) final backstop.
In the event of a call, Jackson said Regina Fire is drawing up some plans for a response.
He also said Regina Fire and SPSA would collaborate on how many firefighters would be sent up north.
Regina Fire would also consider bringing up equipment to aid the cause.
