After the Pisew wildfire forced the evacuation of Sucker River in northern Saskatchewan, Miles Ratt, 74, found himself at a distance, protecting his trapper’s cabin while his wife, granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren were left homeless as their residence was consumed by the flames. Following this devastating event, Lac La Ronge Indian Band took the initiative to purchase ready-to-move replacement homes to aid in the community’s reconstruction, with assistance from Indigenous Services Canada.
One of these replacement homes, a spacious five-bedroom bungalow, has been recently positioned on a fresh foundation near the location of Ratt’s former house. Expressing gratitude for the band’s support, Ratt acknowledged their consistent aid during challenging times. Despite the new accommodation, Ratt still reminisces about the loss and destruction that occurred back in June, including the sentimental belongings and memories that were lost in the fire.
While Ratt and his grandsons managed to salvage their cabin with the help of personal equipment and resources provided by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, they incurred losses of various belongings, including two quads, two snow machines, two outboard boat motors, a lawn mower, and chainsaws, all of which were uninsured. The community suffered significant damage, with 12 homes in Sucker River, eight in Hall Lake, and one near the band office in La Ronge destroyed, along with the devastation of two local businesses, the Robertson Trading Post and Rona, and infrastructure like the wooden Clam Bridge and the Sucker River garbage truck.
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of Lac La Ronge Indian Band recalled the relentless nature of the wildfire, which prompted the evacuation of several communities, including La Ronge, Air Ronge, and LLRIB. Despite the challenges faced during the evacuation process, community members were transported to safety, and efforts were made to accommodate those displaced by the fires within LLRIB communities through the band’s child and family services department.
Efforts are underway to rebuild the Clam Bridge and clean up the sites of the destroyed homes, with plans to set up over 20 ready-to-move houses acquired from local suppliers on new foundations. The band aims to complete the replacement and utility connection for these homes by March 31, 2026, as part of the ongoing recovery process. Looking ahead, Chief Cook-Searson emphasized the importance of local training in wildfire suppression and preparation, highlighting the potential for communities to protect themselves with the right skills and resources during emergencies.