(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Northwest Fires July 19

Crews make progress with fires north of Meadow Lake

Jul 19, 2021 | 5:25 PM

With some assistance from favourable weather over the weekend, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) reported progress has been made with blazes previously classified as a threat to some Northwest Saskatchewan communities.

Crews working on the Forks fire, southwest of Beauval, and the Strike fire, north of Dorintosh, continue to make progress with assistance from air supports and heavy equipment. As a result of these efforts, the Forks fire has officially been listed as a contained blaze. The fire is said to be approximately 125 hectares in size.

However, efforts to gain control of the Strike fire are ongoing as the inferno is still considered to be an uncontained wildfire. The fire is estimated to be 3,300 hectares in size and is receiving attention from heavy equipment at the fire line.

SPSA vice-president Steve Roberts stated residents should continue keeping an eye on highway updates and avoid non-essential travel if possible.

“We have 11 communities or highway threat fires that are currently in the province, but we continue to send our crews and resources to those as high priority fires,” Roberts said.

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

15h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

16h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

16h ago

“People are reminded that several highways are impacted or closed due to fires. We still recommend avoiding travel to northern areas due to smoke, due to potential access restrictions and to ensure our firefighting efforts are not hampered by folks in the area.”

As a result of the progress made in many areas over the weekend, the SPSA has lifted the province-wide fire ban. However, many areas and parks have bans of their own remaining in effects to mitigate the risk of another incident occurring.

Despite the announcement, there are now 172 wildfires active in the province today. Of those fires,16 have been contained, 24 are receiving suppression efforts and property protection and another 24 have yet to be controlled. One-hundred eight fires remain under assessment.

—

elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp