The Saskatchewan government is expecting between 450 and 500 evacuees to arrive in Saskatoon Tuesday evening after wildfires forced them from their homes.
Evacuation orders were given in Birch Portage and Pelican Narrows because of smoke and road closures.
“There is a threat to their access from wildfire, the highway may be crossed and closed from wildfire and there is also the possibility of having heavy smoke move into the community, which will impact their health-priority patients,” Deanna Valentine, Emergency Social Services provincial coordinator, said.
Some evacuees are staying with friends or family members, while others are being are being housed in congregate shelters. Those with more serious health concerns, like dialysis, will stay in hotels, according to Valentine.
Residents who are considered health priority patients are being evacuated, which means they are at a higher health risk when it comes to smoke exposure.
“It would be people with respiratory issues, it would be the young babies, it would be the elderly people, pregnant moms anybody who may be more at risk to respiratory issues,” Valentine said.
Beds are set up at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre to accommodate 600 people and evacuees are expected to arrive in 10 to 12 buses around 6 p.m.
Emergency Social Services is working with the Red Cross, heath ministry, Salvation Army and other organizations to coordinate shelter, food, clothing, hygiene products and other necessities for evacuees.
The agencies are working to ensure families - those who typically live in the same household or who daily care is provided - are evacuated together.
Between 2,700 and 5,000 live in Pelican Narrows and the number of evacuees could change, according to Valentine. If more beds are needed ,Cosmo Civic Centre will be opened, which can accommodate 200 more people.
The resort community of Jan Lake has declared a state of emergency due to smoke concerns from the wildfires. The province says most of the Jan Lake community are seasonal residents but 15 permanent residents will self-evacuate, which means they will stay with friends or family and not require other provided shelter.
