Wildfires prompt mandatory evacuations in Beauval and English River First Nation, Saskatchewan, as smoke and wind pose growing health risks.
Saskatchewan Communities Declare Emergency Evacuations
The communities of Beauval and English River First Nation in northwest Saskatchewan have issued mandatory evacuation orders as advancing wildfires and shifting winds intensify smoke threats. The orders came into effect on Thursday, July 3, following updates from local emergency coordinators.
Smoke and Wind Drive Urgency
Though the nearest wildfire remained approximately 10 kilometres from Beauval on Thursday morning, officials elevated the alert due to concerns about heavy smoke and unpredictable wind patterns. The town, located about 350 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, initially issued a priority alert but upgraded it to mandatory as health risks grew.
Nick Daigneault, Beauval’s evacuation coordinator, stated, “We’re expecting thick smoke to blanket the community, which could pose serious health issues even for healthy individuals.”
Coordinated Evacuation Underway
Efforts to evacuate the town’s estimated 700 residents began Wednesday, with only about 10–15% of the population initially departing. By Thursday, officials were pushing for at least 50% to leave.
A chartered bus departed for Saskatoon at 9 a.m. CST Thursday, with a second scheduled for 5 p.m. CST. The designated muster point for evacuees is the Travelodge in Saskatoon. Residents are urged to register with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) to access accommodations and support services.
Surrounding Areas on High Alert
English River First Nation, located just north of Beauval, also issued its mandatory evacuation order Thursday. Meanwhile, the communities of La Lac Plonge, Kinoosao, and Bear Creek remain under priority evacuation alerts as fires continue to spread in the region.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, the SPSA reported 64 active wildfires in the province. Of these, only nine were contained. The remainder were categorized as not contained, protecting values, or under ongoing assessment.
Government Provides Financial and Housing Support
The provincial government has committed $500 per adult evacuee, with over $5.1 million already distributed to support more than 10,000 displaced residents. Additional retroactive food security support is being offered to eligible households not staying in SPSA-provided hotels—up to $200 per day based on family size.
The SPSA continues to collaborate with Indigenous and municipal leaders to plan recovery efforts, including debris management, temporary living arrangements, and mental health services.
Ongoing Response and Monitoring
Authorities stress that while the flames are not yet threatening the town directly, the worsening smoke conditions necessitate immediate action. “This is a strategic evacuation—we’re choosing to move people while it’s still safe and controlled,” Daigneault emphasized.
Residents are urged to monitor official alerts and prepare for potential long-term displacement as fire season intensifies across Saskatchewan.
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