PRINCE ALBERT - Things have stabilized considerably in the wildfire situation facing Saskatchewan.
Most of those evacuated have returned to their areas and while there are still active wildfires, the threat to property is vastly diminished and many fires are under control.
It has reached the point where SPSA is no longer holding daily fire updates, though they indicated they will alert media as to the next available briefing.
Currently there are 19 active wildfires. One is contained, five not contained, 11 are ongoing assessment and two are protecting values. There are 267 wildfires for the year to date, compared to the five year average of 163.
As for active fires, the SHOE fire is 554,484 hectares and remains at 50 per cent containment. Most of the fire has been getting precipitation.
The PISEW fire west of La Ronge is at 184,877 hectares and not contained. The fire is 23 per cent contained.
The WOLF fire west of Denare Beach is 161,420 hectares and not contained. According to the latest update, crews will continue to clean up Phantom Lake to prevent fire from moving east, and crews will be using both a boat and helicopter for access. Another crew is working on the northwest corner of the fire near Hanson Lake and the FORAN mine site, according to the SPSA.
The SANTO fire east of Pinehouse is 13,700 ha and not contained. The SPSA says it will continue to work the west flank of the fire closest to values on the east side of Pinehouse Lake and community of Pinehouse. Crews will be utilizing direct attacks anchoring off from established helicopter pads, says the SPSA.
Finally the DITCH fire north of Weyakwin is 182,745 hectares and not contained.
