Sask. First Nation Orders 1,800 Residents to Evacuate Due to Wildfire, Questions Provincial Response

Saskatchewan First Nation leaders are calling for “immediate action and accountability” from the province hours after issuing an evacuation order in response to an advancing wildfire. Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty said earlier containment of the blaze could have prevented the “current crisis.” The statement also suggests the provincial entity has not approved the activation of hundreds of trained First Nations firefighters despite their willingness to help. “There are hundreds of qualified First Nations firefighters ready and willing to assist but the SPSA has refused to hire them...