‘We’re triaging’: Sask. Public Safety Agency says it’s aware of support backlog, working to rectify

WATCH: SPSA President Marlo Pritchard speaks on the backlogs and challenges the agency faces while dealing with evacuees.

SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard says his agency is aware of support backlogs for wildfire evacuees and maintains that the province is working as fast as possible to rectify them.

“I do want to acknowledge that there is a backlog in some of our evacuation support,” he said, during the province’s daily wildfire update Tuesday.

In response, the SPSA has added 14 more members to staff its 1-855-559-5502 help line.

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Pritchard says his staff are currently “triaging,” meaning the most urgent requests are being responded to first.

“Either support with food vouchers, financial support or hotels. So those are the ones that we’re working on, and we’re going to get through that backlog as quickly as humanly possible,” he said.

“We know that many of those individuals that have self evacuated, are staying safely with family and friends, and although they need supports, they’re not in a critical position.”

The number of evacuated or partially evacuated communities remain unchanged Tuesday at 33. The SPSA continues to support 860 residents - while the Canadian Red Cross is supporting 9,160.

Pritchard’s comments come hours after Saskatchewan ombudsman Sharon Pratchler announced her team would be reviewing the SPSA’s handling evacuees in the face of wildfires.

• Sask. ombudsman investigating provincial wildfire response, handling of evacuees

In a statement to CTV News, the province said it recognizes the challenges faced by evacuees and is working to rectify them.

“We want to reassure everyone that the Government of Saskatchewan, along with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, have heard the concerns about evacuees not receiving clear communication and difficulties accessing support,” it read.

“We are actively working to address these concerns.”

Premier Scott Moe is scheduled to make a public appearance in Saskatoon Wednesday morning.

There are 23 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Six are considered not contained. There have been 257 wildfires so far this fire season, up from the five-year average of 146.

The number of damaged and destroyed structures in the province remains at 295. However, that figure is expected to rise as verification teams have been dispatched to hard hit communities such as Denare Beach.

Wildfires by the numbers

SPSA vice president Steve Roberts says firefighting efforts have largely improved due to cooler temperatures and lower winds.

“Not only has the fire behavior improved, but our ability to contain and limit impact to some structures [has as well],” he said.

Effective Tuesday afternoon, all areas north of the Churchill River that received significant rainfall will be removed from the current fire ban. The SPSA says it will continue to monitor the areas south of the river and in the provincial forest.

Shoe Fire

The Shoe Fire has grown to an estimated 503,000 hectares. Highways 912 and 913 remain closed.

JaySmith Fire

The JaySmith Fire remains around 139,000 hectares, No highways are currently affected by the blaze.

Ditch02 Fire

The Ditch02 Fire has grown to 170,000 hectares. Highway 969 will remain closed due to the blaze.

Pisew Fire

The Pisew Fire remains at an estimated 181,000 hectares near La Ronge. Closures are active on Highway 2 north in order to limit the amount of non-essential traffic through the area.

Pelican2 Fire

The Pelican2 Fire, located north of Pelican Narrows, remains at approximately 34,000 hectares. Highway 135 is open to both Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay.

Wolf and Club Fires

According to Roberts, the Wolf Fire and Club Fire are immediately adjacent to each other and are being managed centrally. After today, they will be classified as one fire of note.

The Wolf Fire is currently estimated to cover 130,000 hectares, while the Club Fire remains at approximately 80,000 hectares.

The fires are impacting Highway 167 to Denare Beach and Highway 106 from the 135 junction through to Creighton, Sask.