Red Earth Cree Nation residents returning home as evacuation order lifted

Residents of the Red Earth Cree Nation are preparing to return home after wildfires in the area prompted an evacuation.

The Cree nation northeast of Nipawin was evacuated on May 30 after a wildfire in the area began to threaten travel on Highway 55. Some residents left in their own vehicles, while others boarded charter buses that took them to temporary accommodations in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.

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According to an update shared to the Cree nation’s social media page on Tuesday, the wildfire threat in the area has lessened, allowing residents to return after five days away from home.

The message from the nation’s chief and council said those who used their own vehicles during the evacuation were welcome to head home on Tuesday, while charter buses are set to depart from the evacuation centres at 11 a.m. to bring back the remaining residents.

“We would like to thank all community members for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout this evacuation,” the announcement read.

“We also extend our gratitude to the emergency responders, support staff, volunteers, leadership, and our program managers who assisted in ensuring the safety and well-being of our members.”

The evacuation was the second for the Red Earth Cree Nation this spring. The community was previously evacuated in May due to flooding.

According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, 12 wildfires were burning around the province as of 7 a.m. on Wednesday, two of which were not contained.

Saskatchewan has seen 96 wildfires so far this season, which is well below the five-year average of 165 and significantly lower than the 228 wildfires seen by June 3, 2025.