Village of Denare Beach, Opposition say Sask. government ‘failed’ northern community
Residents of the Northern Village of Denare Beach, Sask., and Saskatchewan’s Opposition NDP are expressing their frustration with the provincial government’s response to the devastating Wolf fire that swept through their community nearly a month ago. With over 200 homes destroyed and countless lives upended, residents feel abandoned by the government during both the evacuation process and the aftermath of the fire.
Denare Beach, a close-knit community located near the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border, has approximately 700 year-round residents. The rapid spread of the Wolf fire, fueled by high winds and dry weather, caught many off guard and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Jennifer Hysert, a long-time resident who lost her home of 25 years to the fire, spoke out at an NDP news conference, highlighting the pain and loss experienced by her family and urging the government to be held accountable for their failures.
Despite both Manitoba and Saskatchewan declaring states of emergencies, residents of Denare Beach are questioning why Premier Scott Moe did not call in federal help for their community, as Manitoba did with the military’s assistance in nearby Flin Flon. Jordan McPhail, NDP MLA for Cumberland, emphasized the need for answers from the government regarding their lack of action in mobilizing resources to aid the community during and after the fire.
The absence of support from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and the provincial government has left residents feeling abandoned and overwhelmed as they navigate the process of rebuilding their lives. Paul Rossington, operations manager with a local construction company that assisted in firefighting efforts, highlighted the lack of essential resources provided to Denare Beach during the crisis, underscoring the need for a more proactive and coordinated response from authorities.
As the community grapples with the daunting task of cleanup and reconstruction, Mayor Carl Lentowicz acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the resilience and determination of Denare Beach residents. While the evacuation notice has been lifted, returning residents are faced with the heartbreaking sight of their once-thriving community reduced to ashes.
Despite the hardships and setbacks, residents remain steadfast in their commitment to rebuilding and restoring Denare Beach to its former glory. While the road ahead may be long and arduous, the spirit of community solidarity and determination will guide them through the difficult times ahead. As they look to the future, residents are calling on the provincial government to step up and provide the support and assistance needed to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.
