La Loche evacuees arrive in Regina, some complain of support access issues

WATCH: With the Park Fire threatening their community, residents of La Loche have been evacuated to Regina. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Residents of La Loche, Sask. were forced to flee their homes as the Park Fire drew closer to the community this week. For many, the long drive to Regina was the least of their worries – as frustration grows with the government’s aid response.

Those who spoke to CTV News Thursday say they are now struggling to access basic necessities after having little time to evacuate and gather their belongings.

“[It was] pretty rough, all the way to Regina especially with a bad hip. Sitting in the same spot for 12 hours,” evacuee Martial Piche said, referring to the long drive south.

The situation was further complicated when two of the four buses were held back over confusion about whether heavy smoke was sufficient grounds for an evacuation.

“The [Saskatchewan] Public Safety Agency was the support unit and did turn and hold the buses back and ask people to debark until discussions with community leadership on whether they would wish to continue so they did wish to continue,” SPSA vice president of operations Steve Roberts explained.

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In the scramble to leave, some evacuees arrived in Regina without a change of clothes. They say there are no laundry facilities forcing people to wash clothes in bathroom sinks.

Others say they arrived without any cash and have yet to see the $500 in expense money recently promised by the province.

“The only thing is, we have no money: They picked us up off the street and took us out. I didn’t bring my wallet. Nothing,” Piche added.

Other needs are being well met. Hotel accommodations provided by the province are good and buses have been lined up for day excursions.

“We are going to go to the Bell Barn at Indian Head and to Lebret and then maybe to Echo Park. Just something to do to entertain them,” Engelheim Charter spokesperson Elton Desnomie explained.

Overall, residents say they are being well treated.

“They are treating me okay,” Piche added.

“Everybody has treated me good,” Aron Littletent, another evacuee, noted.

The Government of Saskatchewan says it is providing food, accommodations and laundry services for the La Loche evacuees.

Those requiring additional financial assistance can apply through an app to have their needs assessed.

As for the $500 promised, the government says it is intended for the recovery process of returning home and will be distributed by either the SPSA or the local community.