While most residents of La Ronge have evacuated, the Leung family is staying behind to keep their family run gas station open.  On Monday they were officially recognized as essential services personnel. They were given passes move across the boundaries as necessary.

Cora and Kevin Leung own the Shell gas station in La Ronge.  They and their son, Adam, decided to stay behind to keep the station open to provide gasoline services to the firefighting efforts.

“We were here working for the Mallard fire and remember the chaos and panic.  We wish to do it again,” Cora said. 

In 1999 La Ronge and the surrounding area were evacuated due to the Mallard fire.  Eight homes were destroyed in the blaze.

Although Cora and Kevin own two homes in La Ronge and the surrounding area they are not able to go to either of them.  They are sleeping in their gas station.  Cora Leung says La Ronge is like a ghost town.   

“It’s scary,” she said.

On Saturday the La Ronge, Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band were issued an evacuation order.  About 7,000 people left the area due to the impending threat of fires and heavy smoke.

The province has described the fire near La Ronge as “a real threat.” 

Vehicles were lined up for hours waiting to fuel up before leaving town.  Cora said people started lining up at the pumps when the order was issued.  They were busy from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The day before the evacuation they received a shipment of gas; however, they do not expect to see another one anytime soon.

The military is expected to arrive this morning to assist firefighters.

Municipalities from across central Saskatchewan have also contributed resources, including firefighters and equipment to the efforts.

The Leungs have been surviving on chips, hard-boiled eggs and cereal.  Adam said the grocery store was open for one hour on Sunday to provide food for the emergency services.

They cannot see flames and the smoke “comes in waves.”

“It’s like an abandoned war zone,” said Adam.

Although he described the situation as “grim” Adam said that they will stay in La Ronge for as long as they can.

“We will stay open until we are forced out, or are out of gas,” said Adam.