‘A moccasin is not just a slipper': Sask. wildfire destroys historic La Ronge Trading Post
A fast-moving wildfire has destroyed the historic Robertson Trading Post in La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Flames swept into the northern town Tuesday night, engulfing the iconic trading post and neighbouring RONA store.
Video posted to social media shows both buildings ablaze as ground crews and firefighting helicopters battle the flames.
Despite not being fully operational, Robertson Trading held hundreds of pieces of Indigenous art and historical artifacts.
'We are filled with regret that we weren't able to save the artwork,' the family business wrote in a Facebook post.
'Let this tragedy be a reminder to all that a moccasin is not just a slipper, that a beaded cardholder or keychain is not just a practical accessory; please hold your own pieces of indigenous art close to your heart. Protect them.'
The Pisew Fire has grown to 83,000 hectares — more than three times the size of Saskatoon.
It breached the La Ronge airport and destroyed the province's air tanker base.
'We are up against a monster. The last 24 hours have been chaotic,' the La Ronge fire department posted on Facebook, thanking private contractors and volunteers.
'We are doing the best we can fighting for our communities.'
An evacuation order was issued for La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band on Monday evening.
About 400 structures have been destroyed in Saskatchewan wildfires and officials estimate about 15,000 people have been forced to leave their homes
It is the driest spring on record for La Ronge. The area has received just 18 millimetres of rain over the past three months — far below the 100 millimetres it typically gets, according to Environment Canada.
Saskatchewan's largest wildfire — the Shoe Fire — has burned about 470,000 hectares and is less than 14 kilometres from Candle Lake.
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