The Government of Saskatchewan has transferred over $3.8 million dollars to communities that are distributing the $500 payments directly to their residents.

In a news release from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (S-P-S-A), they are continuing to co-ordinate with communities that have asked for support in distributing payments and will be delivering $160,000 directly to residents of Denare Beach in the coming days. In addition, the S-P-S-A has established a Recovery Task Force (R-T-F) that includes representatives from the Ministries of Health, Social Services, Government Relations and others as needed to assist communities that were devastated by the recent wildfires. The R-T-F will be focused on the tasks needed to help communities rebuild.

As of late Thursday afternoon, there are 20 active wildfires in Saskatchewan with four categorized as not contained. To date, Saskatchewan has had 265 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 158. Five communities remain under evacuation order – Creighton, Denare Beach, East Trout Lake, Whelan Bay and priority individuals in Cumberland House. The S-P-S-A says there are about 2,000 evacuees remaining, 300 of which are supported by them in hotels or staying with friends and family.