Wildfire near Cat Lake First Nation grows to over 10K hectares

CAT LAKE FIRST NATION — A wildfire burning north of Cat Lake First Nation has grown to more than 10,000 hectares, but it is not believed to be posing a threat to the community.

Ministry of Natural Resources fire information officer Shayne McCool on Thursday said the fire is moving north, away from the community of about 500 people.

McCool said firefighters are focusing on suppression efforts to the southern and eastern flanks closest to the community, to ensure the fire does not approach Cat Lake.

McCool said those efforts have kept the fire at bay on that front.

The ministry has 12 fire crews on the ground and four helicopters and water bombers above managing the fire.

At this time, McCool said smoke from the fire is drifting away from the community.

There are no air advisories issued for the surrounding area at this time.