A photo of the fire nearing Clearwater River Dene Nation and La Loche on May 3, 2023. (La Loche WildFire Update group/Facebook)

By Logan Lehmann

Wildfire

UPDATE: Clearwater River Dene Nation ordered to evacuate as wildfire nears

May 3, 2023 | 4:58 PM

Update: A mandatory evacuation order was put into effect around 8 p.m. Wednesday evening for the Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN). Community officials said it was due to increased smoke and because the wildfire burning nearby had crossed the only highway into the community.

Residents will be taken by bus to Lloydminster and Meadow Lake. A command centre has been set up at the CRDN community hall.

People who are evacuating on their own are still asked to sign in at the command centre so CRDN staff can get their information and follow up to ensure they are okay.

Roads into Clearwater River Dene Nation have also been closed.

As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the fire was around 216 hectares in size, roughly 400 football fields.

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Over the past few days, water bombers and helicopters were brought in to help battle the blaze. Despite the efforts, the fire continued to grow due to dry conditions in the area.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann