Some residents of Pelican Narrows can return home.
A general evacuation order for the community has been lifted for general community members and those classified as “Priority 3” evacuees.
The evacuation order will remain in place for evacuees listed as Priority 1 and Priority 2 by Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) Health Services. The classifications include elders and people who suffer from chronic health conditions.
A statement issued by PBCN Wednesday afternoon said the two priority groups will not return home at the current time due to “continued air quality concerns.”
Returning evacuees are urged to bring supplies, such as groceries, with them. Evacuees will be provided with gas cards that can be redeemed at Co-op gas stations.
Emergency Social Services will also cover fuel allotments for vehicles returning to Pelican Narrows.
Prompted by regional forest fires, the evacuation order for Pelican Narrows took effect Aug. 29.
A partial roadblock remains in effect for Highway 135 and Highway 106 from the 135 junction to Creighton. Vehicle convoys are escorting up to 60 vehicles at a time through the area.
Forest fires continue to burn north, east and west of Pelican Narrows. According to Saskatchewan Wildfire Management, the fires have not burned structures or vital infrastructure within the community.
Schools in Pelican Narrows are due to open on Monday, Sept. 18.
The communities of Jan Lake, Birch Portage, Tyrrell Lake and Granite Lake remained evacuated as of Wednesday afternoon.
