Emergency officials to escort some northern Sask. residents home

Some northern Saskatchewan residents are going home today.

That's the latest report from the Ministry of Highways, which has enabled an escort convoy for residentsofMissinipe, Otter Rapids, Brabant, Southendand the Athabasca Basin.

None of thosecommunitieswere under mandatory evacuation orders.

In a release sent out by the ministry's highway hotline early Saturday morning, the release stated that local emergency officials will be escorting the convoyon highway 2, startingapproximately 10 kilometres south of Air Ronge.

Residents from those communities originally made the decision to leave as smoke filled the air from wildfires in the north. Now, some of them are able to return to their homes despite numerous highways being closed along the way.

The Ministry advises those returning to stock up on supplies, because they will not be allowed to return south on highway 2, the CBC has learned.

Drivers are told togather at the police blockade at that spot by 5:00 p.m. CST, Saturday.

"The convoy will close by 6:30 p.m. Any late arrivals will be turned away," the released stated.

• By the numbers: northern Sask. forest fires, July 10

Police will be on hand checking for identification. Escorts will lead the convoynorthbound on highway 102, through the communities in theLac La Ronge Indian Band, Air Ronge and La Ronge. Theescort will stop on the north side of Sucker River and allow drivers to continue on their own.

Residents are told to bring their own supplies, becauseHighway102 remains closed and they will not be allowed south again. The releases advises drivers tomonitor localradio stations and their communities'Facebook pages for further updates.