SANDY BAY, SASK. — The leadership of a Saskatchewan First Nation has called for help and says the province is failing to act hours after issuing an evacuation order for Sandy Bay, Sask. due to an escalating wildfire.
A statement Tuesday from officials with the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has refused to hire hundreds of qualified First Nations firefighters to tackle the blaze near the community of 1,800 in the province's northeast.
He said First Nations have access to the necessary gear, including hats and boots, and are also properly trained — but the agency is not deploying them. "We cannot stand by while excuses are made. Our people are ready to protect their land, but they are being denied the opportunity because the SPSA isn't prioritizing the resources needed to ensure their safety. It feels like they do not want to put the fire out."The last update on the agency's website says the fire was estimated to be about 130 square kilometres in size and was burning within 20 kilometres of Sandy Bay. It identifies the cause as lightning.
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