Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan firefighters making progress on Northern wildfires

Fire teams have made some significant progress on the wildfires burning in Saskatchewan.

More than one thousand evacuees from the La Ronge area are still away from home

Fire teams have made some significant progress on the wildfires burning in Saskatchewan. Yesterday there were 15 fires that were not contained, but today that number is down to four.

Many people had to evacuate the community of Sikachu due to wildfires in the area. (Abel Venn)

The fire near the Clearwater River Dene Nation has been fully contained and residents are able to return home.

The four fires not yet contained include the David Fire, which is located near La Loche, and the Egg, Clark and Sucker River fires, all near La Ronge.

More than one thousand people were evacuated from the La Ronge area due to the fires. The evacuees were those who were at risk to be harmed by the smoke in the area, such as people with respiratory issues or pregnant women. Government officials say the air quality in the area is improving.

The Red Cross continues to provide lodging, food and assistance to more than 900 of the evacuees in both Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

There are 41 wildfires burning in the province right now, 19 of which are more than 100 hectares in size.

A total of 12 cabins and one home were destroyed by the fires.