SASKATOON – Hot temperatures and dry conditions are fuelling the wildfire situation in Saskatchewan. As of Monday, 19 active fires were burning in the province.
The largest, nearly 20 square kilometres in size, was burning northwest of La Loche and Garson.
“Crews and heavy equipment are still at the fire making some progress, but it’s such a large fire it’s not contained yet,” said Curtis Lee with the Ministry of Environment.
On Saturday, some residents in the rural municipality of Torch River were evacuated due to a wildfire. Officials with the Ministry of Social Services said seven people are receiving assistance while others who were evacuated have found their own accommodations.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan residents evacuated due to wildfires
Air tankers are on the way from Quebec to help with firefighting efforts. It’s hoped some rain and cooler weather will also help with the situation.
Duane McKay, the emergency management director for the province, says there has been a significant increase in fire starts.
The dry spring shot the number of wildfires up to 224 this year, 100 more wildfires in the province compared to this time last year.
Officials say most of those fires were caused by people.
READ MORE: Fire bans in place across Saskatchewan as wildfire risk extreme
A fire ban remains in place across northern Saskatchewan.
With files from The Canadian Press
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