Cooler temperatures, change in wind help slow Sask. wildfire growth: public safety agency

Officials with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency say there have been no more human starts to the wildfires in northern Saskatchewan, with 23 active fires now burning in the province, forcing thousands from their homes.

"I think with the cooler temperatures over the last couple of days, and wind conditions changing a little bit have slowed the growth that we saw over a number of days," said Marlo Pritchard, the agency's president and fire commissioner, during a Saturday afternoon news conference.

Many of the large fires have not grown, as they've reached lakes, slowing their growth, he said.

 "Things are kind of staying where they're at," said Pritchard.

"Now, with this reprieve, I hope that we do get, you know, rain on these things, that we … go more on the offensive than the defensive that we have been, protecting structures."

There have been 251 wildfires in Saskatchewan so far this year, well above the five-year average of 141 for this date.

So far, 33 Saskatchewan communities have been evacuated.

A news release from the safety agency Saturday said financial assistance will be increased for wildfire evacuees, raising the daily amount provided to the head of each household to $40 per day, from $20. Additional members of a household will now get $20 per day, up from $10, the agency said, to a new daily maximum for evacuees of $200 per day.

The province has declared a state of emergency, which remains in effect until at least June 29. 

An advisory sent by the public safety agency on Saturday morning indicated Premier Scott Moe would also speak at the conference, but he was not part of the livestreamed conference.

Up-to-date info on active fires, smoke and related topics is available at these sources: