There's much information residents should know before returning to the tri-communities. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

preparations

Staff from gas stations, food stores, restaurants permitted to re-enter tri-communities early

Jun 11, 2025 | 4:24 PM

Staff and suppliers for gas stations, food stores and restaurants have been permitted to enter La Ronge early as the general public waits for Thursday at 8 a.m. for the evacuation order to be lifted.

That’s according to an email sent to larongeNOW from chief administrative officer Lyle Hannan, who explained water and sewer services are ready to go and that all town residential garbage has been picked up. He noted the emergency department at the La Ronge Health Centre will be open on Thursday and that utility companies are working to do repairs, but no disruptions are expected.

“Any minor disruption would be to conduct more permanent repairs to power poles, etc.,” he wrote.

Lake Country Co-op, which operates two gas stations and the largest grocery store in the tri-communities, released a statement Wednesday announcing all locations will be open on Thursday with reduced hours until at least Sunday.

“Our inventory levels are healthy, and we will continue to receive daily shipments to support the community as residents return home,” the statement reads.

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“As more employees return to the community, the sooner we will return to regular hours. In the interim, the operations are being supported with Lake Country personnel from other communities.”

(Facebook/Town of La Ronge)

Facebook/Town of La Ronge)

(Facebook/Town of La Ronge)

(Facebook/Town of La Ronge)

When residents return, they are asked to avoid fire apparatuses, water tanks and equipment that may still be positioned in the area. Do not re-enter any areas heavily damaged or destroyed until cleared by local authorities, and be careful around any burnt structures that may be unstable.

If safe, residents should carefully walk around their residence to check for loose powerlines, gas leaks and structural damage. If there are any hazards, residents should contact their service provider.

“Take care of yourself and your family,” a guide for re-entering the tri-communities notes.

“The wildfires that swept our area has left a profound mark on us all. In the face of this adversity, we want to assure you that you are not alone. Fear, stress and anxiety are natural reactions to a traumatic event like this, so please take the time to look after your well-being and seek assistance if needed.”

Residents should also be aware that everyone over the age of 18 that reside in communities that have been evacuated will receive $500 in financial assistance from the provincial government.The funds will be issued directly to communities as a grant from the provincial government.

Funds will be disbursed by community leadership, so residents should watch for updates from their local municipality or First Nation. This is in addition to the increased financial assistance for evacuees announced on June 7 who have registered with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

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