CANDLE LAKE — The Resort Village of Candle Lake remains under a state of emergency and voluntary evacuation order as the Shoe Fire continues to approach the community.
As of June 6, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) reported the fire is now just 11 kilometres from Candle Lake and could reach the area within three to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
While rainfall is expected, the SPSA warned it may not be enough to stop the fire’s progression. In a post from the Resort Village of Candle Lake, it said: “This is not a mandatory evacuation order, however, if you are not an essential worker, you are advised to leave the community.”
Residents — especially those in the Minowukaw subdivision, which is closest to the fire — are strongly encouraged to prepare to leave or evacuate early.
Protective measures are underway throughout the region. Fire breaks have been completed north of Hannin Creek, the Minowukaw subdivision and Aspen Ridge, with work nearing completion along the east side of Highway 120, according to the village.
The post also informed residents that FireSmart efforts will begin, with firefighters going door to door to remove flammable materials from yards. Additional trained crews have been requested to assist with these efforts.
The SPSA continues suppression efforts using both ground and aerial crews. An incident command centre is being prepared at the community hall and may open as early as today.
Residents are urged not to return to their properties and to refrain from attempting to protect their homes themselves if a mandatory evacuation is called. Officials stress that only trained emergency personnel will be allowed in the village once an evacuation is ordered. Security patrols are active and more resources will be deployed if needed, the post said.
Essential workers may remain in the community, but all others are asked to leave to allow emergency operations to continue unhindered. Updates and instructions are available on the village’s official wildfire emergency page.
