The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) gave an update Wednesday and as of 1:30 p.m. there are eight communities under evacuation orders.  Approximately 1100 individuals overall are evacuated in the province at this time.  There are 49 active wildfires burning in the province which is 372 fires to date. The 5-year average is 273 for this time. Ten wildfires are not contained.  The Shoe, Pisew, Wolf, Ditch, Muskeg and Buhl fires are considered large, complex or located close to communities.

Steve Roberts is the Vice President of Operations with the SPSA and says though many fires were caused from lightning, many were human-caused.  “The fires started because individuals were not heeding the fire ban, or they were not taking care or paying close attention. Investigations are being done on all human-caused starts.”

The Muskeg Fire North of La Plonge Indian Reserve and Beauval has caused evacuations for Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, Northern Village of Beauval, Patuanak/English River First Nation P1’s and P2’s.

The communities of Weyakwin, Resort subdivision of Ramsey Bay and Prince Albert National Park are impacted by the Buhl Fire and Highway 916 is closed, the fire has entered into the northeast corner of the Prince Albert National Park.

Parks Canada has warned people in Prince Albert National Park to be ready to go on short notice.

The SPSA says it is getting fire help from provinces like Quebec, as well as international teams from the U.S., Australia and Mexico.

In terms of financial support, SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said 538 evacuated individuals from Beauval are being supported in hotels.