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Minister says forest fire conditions ‘normal’ after record blazes in 2015

Cpl. Kevin Deng puts out a hot spot at the remote Saskatchewan community of Montreal Lake on Thursday, July 9, 2015.
Cpl. Kevin Deng puts out a hot spot at the remote Saskatchewan community of Montreal Lake on Thursday, July 9, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

REGINA – Saskatchewan Environment Minister Herb Cox says there are “relatively normal conditions” ahead of the forest-fire season, after historic blazes last year.

There was some concern earlier this year due to below-normal snowfall and generally warmer temperatures over much of northern Saskatchewan this winter.

Saskatchewan also recalled firefighting crews early as it prepared for what was feared to be an early start to the wildfire season.

But Cox says officials in the north have told him there’s been some improvement in terms of the snow pack and more moisture.

READ MORE: Red Cross gears up for 2016 Sask. forest fire season

The province’s fire hazard map currently shows a moderate risk across northern Saskatchewan.

Natural Resources Canada says Saskatoon will be back in the extreme fire danger zone tomorrow. Courtesy Natural Resources Canada

There were 720 fires that forced about 13,000 people from their homes last year and burned 17,000 square kilometres of forest.

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Daily Saskatchewan Wildfire Map – April 21, 2016. Ministry of the Environment

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