The officials of the Public Security Agency of Saskatchewan say that there have been no more human beginnings in forest fires in northern Saskatchewan, with 23 active fires now burning in the province, forcing thousands of their homes.
“I think that with the coldest temperatures in recent days, and the wind conditions that change a bit have slowed the growth we saw for several days,” said Marlo Pritchard, president of the agency and fire commissioner, during a press conference on Saturday afternoon.
Many of the great fires have not grown, since they have reached lakes, slowing their growth, he said.
“Things stay where they are,” said Pritchard.
“Now, with this postponement, I hope we have, you know, it rain in these things, that … we are more offensive than the defensive we have been, protecting structures.”
There have been 251 forest fires in Saskatchewan so far this year, well above the average of five years of 141 for this date.
Until now, 33 Saskatchewan communities have been evacuated.
A press release from the security agency on Saturday said that financial assistance will be increased for forest fire evacuees, which increases the daily amount provided to the head of each home to $ 40 per day, from $ 20. Additional members of a home will now obtain $ 20 per day, above $ 10, the agency said, to a new daily maximum for evacuated of $ 200 per day.
The province has declared an emergency, which remains in force until at least June 29.
A notice sent by the Public Security Agency on Saturday morning indicated that Prime Minister Scott Moe would also speak at the conference, but was not part of the live conference.
Updated information about active fires, smoke and related topics is available in these sources:
