REGINA – Saskatchewan has responded to a formal request for assistance from Alberta by sending a team of experts to address the situation.
According to the province, a three-member team from Emergency Management and Fire Safety (EMFS) is now in the province.
“They’ve requested expertise in planning and operations to go and assist and augment some of their staff that are currently in there,” EMFS Deputy Commissioner Mieka Cleary said.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan extends fire help to Alberta, but still needs resources at home
The province says they are in continuing talks with Alberta and if any further resources are requested, they will determine then whether Saskatchewan has the capacity to help.
In Saskatchewan there are seven wildfires burning but EMFS says all are contained.
However, seven provincial parks are under a fire ban including Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, Danielson, Douglas, and Pike Lake.
Also, the northern Saskatchewan Administration District is under a fire ban with a few exceptions.
“The fire ban does not apply to incorporated northern municipalities or first nations communities,” Cleary added.
Air quality has become a concern for the Ministry of Health and is reminding residents to take necessary precautions.
“If it’s smoky outside its important to keep your windows closed and if you’re driving around to keep you windows up,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.