SAULTEAUX FIRST NATION — Fires on Saulteaux and Moosomin First Nations, north of the Battlefords, are attracting unwanted visitors. Authorities are asking people not to visit for purposes of taking photos.
A statement issued by Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Friday said, "There is an increase of traffic of people who are wanting to take photos for social media purposes. The Nation is requesting people NOT to because this holds up the efforts of emergency personnel and vehicles from entering the Nation to fight the fires happening across Saulteaux and Moosomin."
Saulteaux had scheduled a meeting for 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Saulteaux Community Hall for all firefighters and those who are willing to volunteer.
Thursday, Sheldon Fox, communications co-ordinator for BATC, said there were currently three fires happening in the west, northeast and east areas of Moosomin First Nation. The northeast fire is eight km long,
Fox said an estimated 9,600 acres had burned or were burning, and elders had been evacuated.
“The City of North Battleford fire department is out here and are moving to Saulteaux to assist the SPSA (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency) to help with controlled burns; in case the winds become unpredictable we can prevent the fires from reaching Saulteaux community, said Fox.
