Derek Cornet

Reporter at paNOW

Reporter at Battlefords Now

Reporter at Laronge NOW

Indigenous Northerner and Journalist

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Articles

No damage after Pisew fire advancement leads to early morning emergency alert

3 weeks ago | panow.com | Derek Cornet

Firefighters from La Ronge, and other provincial detachments, responded to the blaze around 4 a.m. as it made its way towards the Industrial Park. They were able to stop its advancement with no structures being reported as lost.
‘Hats off to them’: Crews continue to fight ‘monster’ wildfire in La Ronge

3 weeks ago | ckom.com | Derek Cornet

By Derek CornetEmergency personnel continue to battle a wildfire that the La Ronge Regional Fire Department is describing as ‘a monster.’The Pisew fire, which has caused significant damage in the La Ronge area, is now 141,905 hectares in size. On Tuesday it was measured at 83,630 hectares, but high winds fuelled the fire’s growth and limited the aerial response. The situation was described as chaotic by local firefighters.
‘Hats off to them’: Crews continue to fight ‘monster’ wildfire in La Ronge

3 weeks ago | panow.com | Derek Cornet

La Ronge had already been evacuated when the fire burned some homes on the outskirts of town at Eagle Point. Two businesses were also lost, including the historic Robertson Trading store. The Pisew fire also destroyed five structures in Hall Lake and 13 homes in Sucker River, with widespread damage to infrastructure according to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB).
Wildfire claims water bomber pilot’s home for second time

3 weeks ago | ckom.com | Derek Cornet

By Derek CornetA water bomber pilot from La Ronge and his family have lost their house to wildfires for a second time. “We built that home in 2000 (in Eagle Point) after the house burned there in 1999,” Denise Thomson, wife of water bomber pilot Norman Thomson, told larongeNOW on Tuesday.
Wildfire claims water bomber pilot’s home for second time

3 weeks ago | panow.com | Derek Cornet

Eagle Point is located directly adjacent to La Ronge headed north. The fire continues to rage, and as of 3 p.m., it was approaching a neighbourhood called Bigstone. If residents have not yet evacuated, they are urged to do so going south on Highway 2. Even though Thomson lost her home, she said she’s grateful for the work fire crews are doing and that residents were able to safely evacuate. “Of course, you are sad.
UPDATE: La Ronge evacuation expanded to 20 km radius; airport breached

3 weeks ago | larongenow.com | Derek Cornet

La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski is encouraging residents of the tri-communities to try and remain calm as they evacuate from their homes due to the nearby Pisew wildfire, burning about 16 kilometres away from the town. Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, an evacuation alert was issued for La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, the total population of which is about 7,500.
La Ronge, Air Ronge, Lac La Ronge Indian band evacuated along with surrounding communities

3 weeks ago | panow.com | Derek Cornet

“Basically so people can start thinking about things that they should be prepared [for],” Hordyski said. A long line of vehicles could be seen at local gas stations in La Ronge Monday afternoon, as residents prepared to leave. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)Anyone requiring transportation was told to go to the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre.
Air Ronge council approves balanced budget

3 weeks ago | sasknow.com | Derek Cornet

By municipal politics Jun 2, 2025 | 1:10 PM The Village of Air Ronge has approved a balanced budget for 2025. The village approved the budget, which has a $523 surplus, at a regular meeting last month. It calls for an increase in property taxes, as well as utility and waste fees. A new bylaw to set the property tax rates will be considered by council at the next meeting.
UPDATE: Sucker River, Wadin Bay, English Bay, Nemeiben ordered to evacuate; La Ronge on standby

3 weeks ago | ckom.com | Derek Cornet

By: UPDATE: More communities around La Ronge have been ordered to evacuate. Individuals in Wadin Bay, English Bay and Nemeiben subdivision must evacuate immediately. In the event of an emergency, the road to Stanley Mission will be compromised. Individuals who can self-evacuate and find their own accommodations must use Highway 102 and proceed to the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre in La Ronge to register. If you require transportation, contact Northern Municipal Services.
UPDATE: Sucker River, Wadin Bay, English Bay, Nemeiben ordered to evacuate; La Ronge on standby

3 weeks ago | panow.com | Derek Cornet

By emergency Jun 2, 2025 | 12:02 PM UPDATE: More communities around La Ronge have been ordered to evacuate. Individuals in Wadin Bay, English Bay and Nemeiben subdivision must evacuate immediately. In the event of an emergency, the road to Stanley Mission will be compromised.