Creighton residents return home, mayor says community undamaged by wildfires

After wildfires in the area forced residents of Creighton out of their homes, they are finally able to return after weeks of being displaced.

Bruce Fidler, Creighton’s mayor, said evacuees were able to return home as of Sunday, though the air is still smoky at times.

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He expressed how thankful he is to the fire crews that rallied around the community to keep it safe from any damage from the fires.

“I think it’s very important that we acknowledge the absolute amazing work that our local volunteer firefighters have done over the past month,” Fidler said.

“Without them, I don’t know if our community would be here.”

Still, Fidler said returning residents will see “a lot of burned forest” on the road leading into Creighton.

“It’s kind of a heartbreaking sight,” he said.

Most essential services, such as the gas station and the emergency room at the hospital, are operating in Creighton, the mayor added.

Additionally, a company was contracted by the town to provide a mobile medical support team and a mobile mental health and addiction support unit. Fidler said these services can still be accessed by residents from Creighton and the surrounding areas.

Fidler said the grocery store in Flin Flon is expected to open on Wednesday, with limited service, and advised returning residents to bring extra food with them to ensure they’re prepared.

Fidler said residents are feeling happy about coming back, as the wildfires caused immense stress for residents who were waiting to return home.

The mayor said work is currently being done to distribute the financial support for evacuees provided by the Saskatchewan Government.

Residents from other towns, such as Denare Beach, will be returning home to ashes, as wildfires burned around 400 structures, including many family homes.

“We’re all very sympathetic towards them, and we have to consider ourselves very lucky,” Fidler said.