Leadership of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has ordered a second evacuation in the span of two weeks because of the threat of wildfire, this time for residents of Southend. The road is closed at Brabant, the only road into the community, and entry into Southend is restricted to essential services only.

As of 4 yesterday (Wed) afternoon, 556 high-priority individuals and 205 other members of the community evacuated. Southend is about 222 kilometres north of La Ronge and its population is around 1,600 people.

Chief Peter Beatty says, “Given the current conditions and the fire’s rapid movement, we are urging everyone in the affected areas to evacuate immediately.” He adds that it is incredibly difficult to see so many people displaced from their homes once again. Around 1,400 people from Sandy Bay evacuated on August 13th due to the Flanagan fire, which has since doubled in size to 34,707 hectares. PBCN extends its deep gratitude to frontline workers, firefighters and volunteers who continue to protect its communities during this challenging period.