In the latest update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) there are 64 active wildfires burning in the province as of 5:30 a.m. Thursday and 21 are not contained.  The number of wildfires more than tripled in the last week.  Storms throughout the weekend brought much needed precipitation, however; many of the storms brought lightning which caused the increase in fires with the bulk in the western part of the province.

The Muskeg Fire north of La Plonge Indian Reserve in the community of Beauval, is one of note, forcing closures to highways 918 and 165 due to its close proximity. Evacuations are ordered for the Bear Creek Resort Subdivision, a Lac La Plonge subdivision and La Plonge First Nation.  The Muskeg Fire is currently over 8,000 hectares.

Values lost from all fires in the entire province has reached 2,129 with the majority coming from Denare Beach.

The SPSA have brought in a pair of waterbombing aircraft from Quebec to assist with the new fires. The SPSA has also announced that its Recovery Task Team is working to help communities and their residents impacted by wildfires rebuild. There are two ways that impacted residents of lost or damaged property due to wildfires may be eligible for support and assistance. Residents are encouraged to reach out to their private insurance to determine what coverage and additional support is available.  

 People who have been displaced from their homes for more than 30 days may be eligible for assistance through Provincial Disaster Assistance Program. Long-term displaced residents can reach out to their home community for an application form.