Much needed rain forecast for northern Saskatchewan is expected to help wildfire fighting efforts. A special weather advisory has been issued for the La Ronge and Buffalo Narrows regions.
Over 50 millimetres is possible in La Ronge by Friday evening and over 20 mm is forecast for Buffalo Narrows.
Officials said fire fighting efforts are moving to offensive from defensive mode as they announced more fire evacuees are heading back to their homes.
Evacuation orders have been lifted for several communities including La Loche, Montreal Lake and Weyakwin.
Some residents with medical conditions have been asked to remain in emergency shelters.
A higher-than-average number of wildfires this season forced about 13,000 people out of their homes three weeks ago. There are currently 127 wildfires burning in the province.
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The wildfires continue to impact a number of communities although officials said no new ones have been impacted in the past 24 hours.
Two wildfires are still a concern for crews, one near Grandmother’s Bay and the other near Stanley Mission.
Measures have been taken to protect Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission. Crews have placed sprinklers around the church, the oldest standing building in Saskatchewan.
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The “Egg” fire by La Ronge is currently 92,200 hectares and surrounds the north end of the airport. It is not yet contained and all existing evacuations remain in place.
La Ronge Mayor Thomas Sierzycki said crews continue to keep the fire line two kilometres northwest and 1.5 kilomtres north of the town.
He added that crews “are making awesome progress” and they are getting close to containment.
With files from Global’s Wendy Winiewski and The Canadian Press
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