LATEST UPDATE: Rain forecast as evacuation order lifted for more Sask. wildfire evacuees
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says about 1,000 wildfire evacuees from northern Saskatchewan are being allowed to go home. He says an evacuation order has been lifted for the village of Pinehouse and a few other communities in the region will be cleared today.
Wildfires and smoke have forced about 13,000 people out of their homes in 50 communities over the last two weeks. Officials say they have been trying to determine which communities remain at risk and which have working utilities and road access.
RELATED: Wildfire evacuees in Regina to be relocated to Saskatoon
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Rain has fallen in some areas, but the fire situation remains a concern. La Ronge received about 5 millimetres of precipitation on Tuesday with some areas in the west getting up to 40 mm.
Light rain is expected in some areas on Wednesday and while officials say it will help stop the fires from spreading, it won’t put them out.
About 1,700 firefighters, including 600 soldiers and reservists, are working on fire lines.
Officials said the “Mack” and “Brady” fires have merged and there are concerns the west flank could burn towards La Loche.
In Stanley Mission, value protections have been put in place to protect the church from the “Cog” fire while the wildfire south of Montreal Lake continues to be a priority.
Crews are still working on the “Philion” fire from the edge of Weyakwin.
While smoke may be an issue near La Ronge and Stanley Mission, tankers and aircraft are expect to be up today.
There are currently 126 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan. Three fires have been declared out in the last 24 hours, with 3 new wildfires reported in the same period.
There have been 627 wildfires in Saskatchewan so far in 2015, compared to 215 at the same time last year.
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