Photo credit: BC wildfire Service

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has lifted the provincial fire ban following improved weather conditions.

The lifted fire ban was announced on Wednesday at 11 am. Included in the fire ban lift is the use of ATVs and UTVs. Provincial parks, municipalities and RMs may still have their own local fire bans and restrictions.

The improved weather conditions also meant the 800 evacuated members of the Red Earth First Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation could return to their homes.

Bryan Chartrand, the Executive Director of Land Operations for the SPSA, says the improved weather conditions are a relief to the crew.

“They’ve been working hard on these things trying to get them contained. We know wildfires affect a lot of people, especially in the Lobstick area. Its quite populated, so a lot of homes and values at risk. So, this rain is very much appriceted and its a sign of relief.”

Chartrand went on to explain the Cayford fires didn’t see as much rain, but the cooler temperatures and drizzling weather helped to calm the fire down.

There are 11 fires still burning in the province, three of which are not contained. These fires include the Lobstick and Cayford wildfires.

Although an exact number is unknown, the SPSA currently estimates that the cost of fighting the wildfires so far this year has exceeded $2 million.