Saskatchewan First Nation leaders are calling for “immediate action and accountability” from the province hours after issuing an evacuation order in response to an advancing wildfire.
Officials with the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation issued evacuation orders Aug. 13 for Sandy Bay First Nation, a community of 1,800, as an uncontrolled wildfire near Flanagan Lake creeps closer to the community. The last update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said the Flanagan wildfire was approximately 130 square kilometres in size and was burning within 20 kilometres of Sandy Bay.
The leadership of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Prince Albert Grand Council issued a press release on Aug. 13, criticizing the provincial agency’s response to the wildfire.
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty said earlier containment of the blaze could have prevented the “current crisis.”
The statement also suggests the provincial entity has not approved the activation of hundreds of trained First Nations firefighters despite their willingness to help.
“There are hundreds of qualified First Nations firefighters ready and willing to assist but the SPSA has refused to hire them claiming it is too dangerous,” Beatty said, calling the decision a “serious oversight.”
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The indigenous firefighters have “Type 3 level” training and are “fit, experienced, and ready to help,” the chief said, adding that the First Nation can access the necessary gear for at least 100 members of its firefighting crew.
“We cannot stand by while excuses are made. Our people are ready to protect their lands,” Beatty said, noting that the First Nations’ hunting and trapping lands are at risk.
Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Brian Hardlotte accused the province of using a “let it burn” policy, and called the provincial response to the Flanagan wildfire “inadequate” and “negligent.”
“These … are our homes our sacred lands and our future,” he said in the statement. “We cannot and will not stand by while our lands and communities are left to burn.”
The Epoch Times contacted the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for comment, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
‘Let It Burn’ Policy a Myth: Province
The SPSA has previously said, however, that a “let it burn” policy doesn’t exist in Saskatchewan.A government of Saskatchewan infographic says it’s a myth that wildfires outside “arbitrarily chosen areas” are allowed to burn, regardless of the threat.
“The ministry assesses every wildfire, no matter where it is, and makes decisions about how to manage it,” the infographic says. “Fires threatening communities ALWAYS receive the highest priority.”
The Flanagan wildfire, which was first spotted July 9, is currently considered a wildfire of note by the SPSA, according to the latest update on its website. The agency lists a number of resources being used to manage the blaze including helicopters, heavy equipment, and air tankers.
“Dozers will continue to build guard and clean up around the community of Sandy Bay,” the update says. “Ground crews continue working hotspots where able, supplemented by air support. Ignition team will look for burning opportunities in the event the fire advances closer to the community.”
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation’s community of Sandy Bay is located approximately 90 kilometres north of Pelican Narrows and 195 kilometres southwest of Creighton, Sask., and Flin Flon, Man. Sandy Bay is one of eight communities in Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation territory.
