Sask. wildfires bring new complications for northern residents, firefighters

WATCH: Residents in La Ronge and first responders are facing new challenges in the midst of the ongoing wildfires.

Several days after the initial evacuation of the La Ronge area, problems continue to emerge that go beyond the fire itself.

Families from the area face new challenges as the days go on.

When the Johnson family arrived in Macdowell after evacuating from La Ronge, three of their horses spooked and went missing.

“We got down here, and we let them out,” said owner Tina Johnson.

“It’s an unfamiliar place and they’re scared. And the little ones, our ponies busted through the fence and took off.”

Luckily, all three horses were found uninjured late Thursday afternoon.

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All SaskTel services are unavailable in La Ronge and the surrounding area — and in all communities and areas directly north and northeast of La Ronge.

“We’re hoping that we’ll be able to start restoring services as the fires subside,” said Greg Jacobs, representing SaskTel.

“But really, all of the major fires are still posing significant hazards to our crews and to infrastructure.”

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said that damages to infrastructure have impacted its communication with fire crews.

“So, another little complicating factor that’s beyond the fire scope, but directly having an impact on our ability to do our work,” said Steve Roberts with the SPSA.

For the time being, SaskTel says it will waive all wireless data overage fees for customers who had to leave northern Saskatchewan.

The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan government is opening the Batoche festival grounds to anyone escaping the northern wildfires, and the Prince Albert Exhibition Association is opening its RV and trailer campground to those impacted.