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Wildfire near Shellbrook continues to grow

Created at 31 May · 5:58 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A fast-moving wildfire near Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, has grown to 15,000 hectares and is burning out of control. Approximately 130 people have been evacuated, and fire suppression efforts are underway, though the fire is expected to grow due to dry and windy conditions. Fire bans are in effect across numerous municipalities.

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Key Numbers

15,000 hectaresLobstick fire size
37,000 acresLobstick fire size
130 peopleEvacuated from RM of Shellbrook
9 other firesBurning in the region
May 26Lobstick fire start date
May 30Evacuation order issued Friday evening
10 kilometresDistance of fire from town
59 RMsMunicipalities with fire bans
28 urban centresUrban centres with fire bans

Who's Involved

Michael Weger
Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA)
Deploying resources for fire suppression
Red Cross
Supporting Red Earth Cree Nation evacuation
Scott Moe
Premier of Saskatchewan, lives in Shellbrook
Duck Lake Fire Department
Firefighter seen spraying water on the fire

↳ Why This Matters

Wildfires are a recurring issue in Canada, particularly during dry and hot summer months. These fires can have significant impacts on local communities, ecosystems, and economies, leading to evacuations, property damage, and disruptions to natural resources. The current dry and windy conditions exacerbate the risk and spread of fires, prompting widespread fire bans.

Key facts

  • The Lobstick fire near Shellbrook has grown to 15,000 hectares.
  • Approximately 130 people have been evacuated from the rural municipality of Shellbrook.
  • The fire started Tuesday, May 26, and is still burning out of control.
  • Dry and windy weather conditions are contributing to the fire's growth.
  • Fire bans are in effect in 59 RMs and 28 urban centres.

Wildfires are a recurring issue in Canada, particularly during dry and hot summer months. These fires can have significant impacts on local communities, ecosystems, and economies, leading to evacuations, property damage, and disruptions to natural resources. The current dry and windy conditions exacerbate the risk and spread of fires, prompting widespread fire bans.

Frequently asked questions

As of 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 30, the Lobstick fire had grown to 15,000 hectares, or 37,000 acres.

About 130 people have been evacuated from the RM of Shellbrook since an order was issued Friday evening. The Parkland Integrated Health Centre was also evacuated.

The weather remained dry and windy, including swirling winds, and was producing large volumes of smoke.

Yes, there are nine other fires burning; four are not contained, three contained, one protecting values and one under ongoing assessment.

What Happens Next

01The fire is expected to grow.
02A federal heavy helicopter is expected to arrive Saturday.
03The public is asked to obey evacuation orders until told they can return home.

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Cadence

How It Developed

31 May · 3:29 PM
The Lobstick wildfire near Shellbrook has grown to 15,000 hectares, prompting evacuations for about 130 people.
The Western Producer via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Wildfire near Shellbrook continues to growm.piqsuite.com

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