Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation starts evacuation of northern community due to wildfire

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is moving its members out of the remote northern community of Sandy Bay, Sask., because of a wildfire in the area.

PBCN Chief Peter Beatty said the fire is very close to Sandy Bay.

"I think one of our staff at the band office stood outside the band office and could see the flames already," Beatty said.

According to the PBCN website, Sandy Bay is among the eight communities included under the umbrella of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

Beatty spoke with CBC shortly after meeting with organizations like the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, which recommended the evacuation.

According to an SPSA bulletin from Tuesday morning, the fire is within 20 kilometres of the community. Bulldozers are building a guard around the town, and crews and equipment, including air tankers, are attacking the fire.

An ignition team is looking for burning opportunities in case the fire gets closer to the community, according to the bulletin.

PBCN previously released a proactive pre-evacuation preparation list telling residents show to prepare their homes, vehicles and to-go bags. On Tuesday, that preparation proved prudent.

"We knew at some point the community was going to be threatened, and today that threat is upon them," Beatty said.

Beatty said it's unclear how many people will be leaving the community and where they will be accommodated.

On Tuesday afternoon, the mayor of the Northern Village of Sandy Bay, the related off-reserve community, said there is a partial evacuation of people on a priority basis dictated by their health conditions.