By Canadian Press

Weather improving: Some Ontario fire evacuees staying in Regina heading home

Jul 17, 2019 | 2:39 PM

REGINA — Some evacuees who were put up in Regina when they were forced to flee a wildfire in northwestern Ontario are heading home.

Last week, Saskatchewan agreed to welcome about one-quarter of roughly 2,000 members from the Pikangikum First Nation as a forest fire raged near their community.

Rain in the last few days has helped fightfighting crews gain ground on what had been a blaze that covered about 450 square kilometres.

A spokesman for Saskatchewan’s public safety agency says about 35 people flew back to their home on Tuesday.

Duane McKay says three or four more flights were planned for today.

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He says there hasn’t been official word allowing evacuees staying at the University of Regina to return.

“(We’ve been) working closely with the local leadership in Ontario, but also with staff that they have sent out here who know the community, know the families,” he said in a conference call Wednesday.

“They’re identifying people that would be better supported (and) better served there.”

Between 200 and 300 evacuees are to remain at the university for the time being, so activities are being planned for the next few days, including sports and a powwow.

“I think everybody’s very anxious to get home,” McKay said. (CJME)

The Canadian Press