Photo source Mark Tuite on February 28, 2007 (Departing La Loche enroute to Fort McMurray)
This aerial photo of La Loche shows how vulnerable the village is to forest fires. Two nearby fires and the resulting heavy smoke has resulted in the evacuation of several thousand residents of La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation to Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.
A grass fire in La Loche claimed the old pool hall across from Ducharme School last week. The building was built in the 1950s. This picture was taken last year. In the spring every year dozens of grass fires threaten the community.
Center Point in La Loche, Saskatchewan will open on May 15, 2015. The 10,000 square foot building has a large grocery area, a pharmacy, a concession (C-Store) and a fast-food outlet (Sabai Express).