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Firefighters working to contain ‘Tuff’ fire in M.L. Provincial Park

May 23, 2018 | 5:00 PM

The ‘Tuff’ fire inside Meadow Lake Provincial Park is living up to its name as crews continue to battle the wildfire’s flames.

According to Val Nicholson, from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment, fire personnel are working on containing the fire with the help of heavy equipment and helicopter operators. She said the fire has not grown in the last day, and remains around 6,500 hectares, or 65 square kilometres in size.

“[Crews] are making good progress,” Nicholson said. “Calmer winds today have been welcome, but anticipated hot weather will continue to challenge firefighters.”

She said there is some possible precipitation in the forecast, which would be good news. According to Environment Canada there is a 30 per cent chance of rain for the area Thursday and Saturday, and 60 per cent of rainfall on Friday.

Nicholson added there has been no further structural loss in the provincial park since thirteen cabins and the campground area at Flotten Lake were destroyed.

The cause of the fire, which has been burning since May 13, is still under investigation. Last week the fire forced the evacuations of Waterhen Lake First Nation and Jeannette Lake, with most Waterhen residents allowed to head home last Friday.

Yesterday, ministry officials said the southern parts of the fire are mostly contained, but crews continue to struggle with northern areas near Flotten Lake.

 

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