The Bell fire continues to burn north of Hudson Bay, forcing residents from both the Shoal Lake Cree Nation and the Red Earth First Nation to relocate to other centres including Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

Chief Fabian Head of the Red Earth First Nation says around 700 of his members are currently in Saskatoon hotels. Chief Head says the Red Cross has been very helpful in providing assistance with the evacuation.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire was 55,000 hectares in size.

He hopes those who had to relocate will be able to return home soon when the province brings in more resources to combat the fire and once the smoke isn’t as heavy. Heavy equipment, helicopter support and air tanker supports are all being utilized to combat the blaze.

Environment Canada says, “a turn to northerly and northeasterly winds will bring yet another plume of fresh smoke from the fires to much of southern and central Saskatchewan again today (fri).”

As of this morning there are 12 active fires in the province and five not contained.

Red Earth First Nation is located approximately 160 kilometres north of Hudson Bay.