Helicopters, ground crews, multiple air tanker groups and heavy equipment have all been called in to fight a five-hectare fire burning northeast of Prince Albert.
Local authorities have issued an evacuation warning to roughly 20 homes in the area, and Hwy 55 has closed to traffic from the pulp mill access to Prince Albert. Drivers are asked to use the White Star Rd. to Hwy 2 access to Prince Albert instead.
The City of Prince Albert declared a State of Emergency in response to the fire. Council made the decision after a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. A press release sent out at 7 p.m. stated that the area directly adjacent to the northeastern City boundaries is at risk of fire damage, and requires prompt action to prevent the blaze from spreading.
An emergency alert sent out at 4:50 p.m. on Monday warned residents of a “fast-moving” wildfire threatening those who live and work in the area. Residents north of Hwy 55, east of Cloverdale Rd., and west of the Honeymoon Rd. are asked to evacuate immediately.
The City of Prince Albert and RM of Buckland have confirmed that an evacuation centre is being set up at the Margo Fournier Centre. Staff will be on site to provide further instructions.
The Saskatchewan Provincial Emergency Communication Centre also sent out a notice advising individuals who can self-evacuate to make their way to the Art Hauser Centre and register at the Ches Leach Lounge. The City of Prince Albert later issued a statement saying all evacuees should head to the Margo Fournier Centre instead.
Little Red River Park has also been closed by the City of Prince Albert due to the fire. The City announced the closure at around 4:50 p.m.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) confirmed that multiple fire departments have responded to the blaze. They are referring to it as the Cloverdale Fire at this time.
More to come.
Photo submitted by Candi Hansen. 
Smoke from a five-acre fire burning northeast of Prince Albert rises to the sky, as seen from the runway of a nearby tanker base. – Submitted Photo.
Smoke rises from a five-acre fire burning northeast of Prince Albert, as seen from Evergreen Rd. – Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald
