The fire situation continues to be of concern in Saskatchewan, though the situation has seen some signs of improvement.
In a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Steve Roberts, executive director of wildfire management for Saskatchewan Environment, said there has been “some improvement” in the previous 24 hours with only five new fires.
The David fire southwest of La Loche is still going, though the fire at Clearwater is now fully contained and it has been recommended people from the Clearwater Dene Nation can return to that community.
The Egg fire located near Sikichu and Clam Crossing, field-mapped at 22,950 hectares, is not contained, but they have been able to put crews and aircraft on that fire. That fire is contributing to the smoke conditions in La Ronge. One home and four cabins have also been impacted by that fire.
The Sucker River fire is estimated at 2,250 hectares and is still generating smoke, but is no longer a direct threat to Sucker River,. The Clark fire,at 17,800 hectares northwest of La Ronge, is also being worked on. There are also two fires burning in the far north of the province.
Four fires were not contained as of Wednesday, compared to 15 the previous day.
The big issue has been the smoke from the forest fires and its impact on those most vulnerable to smoke inhalation, forcing those people and others out of their homes.
There has been over 1,000 affected individuals relocated temporarily due to the smoke threat, according to Colin King of the Ministry of Government Relations.
