An aerial look at the damage left behind by the fire that threatened La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation. On Sunday, it was announced by both communities that the fire has been contained and that residents can now return home. (Facebook/Roy Sean Cheecham)

By Logan Lehmann

Safe to return home

Evacuation order lifted in La Loche, Clearwater River DN

May 7, 2023 | 2:32 PM

Residents from La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation have been given the green light to return home.

The evacuation order was lifted on Sunday afternoon with Clearwater River and La Loche posting an update on the situation to social media.

“The Northern Village of La Loche Council met today with representatives from the SPSA, RCMP, and SHA to discuss the fire situation,” the post read. “The information received was very good and it is felt that it is safe for residents to return to our community. SPSA have made arrangements for our residents in Regina to return home by bus this evening. It is anticipated that they will leave Regina between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm and return to La Loche at approximately 6:00 am.”

Members of Clearwater River who were evacuated by bus to Lloydminister, Regina, or Meadow Lake will start to make their trip back north on Tuesday morning. Those who left on their own are encouraged to make their way back to the community.

“CRDN has lifted their evacuation status,” the other post read. “Members who evacuated can begin returning home today and within the next 24 hours. If you left on your own you can begin making your way home tomorrow, Monday, May 8. Members who evacuated by bus will begin returning home by Tuesday, May 9.”

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Both communities were evacuated on Thursday when an out-of-control fire got dangerously close, threatening homes and businesses. The fire is now a contained blaze after burning more than 266 hectares of forest.

For an updated map of wildfires in the province, click here.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann