Red Cross provides relief as Saskatchewan fires force 13,000 from homes

In what has now become the biggest evacuation effort in Saskatchewan history, more than 13,000 people have been forced from their homes due to massive wildfires in the province’s northern regions.

More than 110 wildfires are burning as of Wednesday, July 8.

The Canadian Red Cross is currently providing assistance to the people affected by the fires on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. To date, the Red Cross has assisted more than 7,800 people that have been evacuated from the province’s northern region.

Those affected are being housed in shelters, hotels and with family or friends in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Regina, and now, Cold Lake, Alta. Basic needs provided for at the shelters with items such as cots, blankets, hygiene kits and nutritious meals to help keep people as comfortable as possible. Daily activities are also being arranged to help pass the time for evacuees.

There are a total of 280 trained Red Cross personnel from across Canada on the ground for the response with many others coordinating from a distance.

The Red Cross is responding with emergency assistance on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and is not actively soliciting donations at this time to help with this wildfire response. If the wildfires advance and begin to cause significant damage or destruction to communities, then donations may be needed to help with longer-term assistance or recovery needs for those affected by the fires. An appeal for donations will be activated at that time, if necessary.

However, donations for our Canadian Disaster Relief Fund are always accepted. Donations will be used to support the ongoing efforts of the Canadian Red Cross, including the development and training for volunteers to respond to future disasters or emergencies.

Photo: ​Stefan Dyck/Canadian Red Cross