Two large wildfires in northern Alberta did not merge and move into Saskatchewan. A cold front slowed the movement of the blazes but preparations continue, according to provincial officials.
Saskatchewan’s commissioner of emergency management and fire safety Duane McKay said Sunday the province is experiencing hot dry weather but there is no imminent threat to any communities in Saskatchewan.
FULL COVERAGE: Fort McMurray Wildfire
According to McKay, there are no significant fires in the province, but they continue to monitor activity. He said their primarily now focusing on heavy smoke drifting towards Saskatchewan.
He also said three liaison officers have been sent to Edmonton to assist in operations but also to assess and keep Saskatchewan informed of any fires headed east.
Currently, there is no estimate on when Alberta wildfires would cross over the Saskatchewan border.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan implements fire bans
Steve Roberts, executive director wildfire management, said the smaller fire in Fort McMurray is approximately 60 kilometres away from the nearest settlement in Saskatchewan.
Roberts added that so far this year, there have been 124 fires in Saskatchewan and 12 are active.
Officials explained fire bans have been helping in reducing fire incidences and they urge Saskatchewan residents to remain vigilante with fire safety.
Currently, the biggest concern for Saskatchewan is smoke from the Alberta wildfires.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement as smoke from forest fires is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in northwestern areas of the province.
Special air quality statement continued for:
- Buffalo Narrows and Peter Pond Lake
- Île à la Crosse and Beauval
- Cluff Lake Mine
- La Loche and Clearwater River Prov. Park
On Sunday, strong westerly winds will disperse some of the smoke and conditions have improved in areas further away from the fires particularly those further north such as Fort Chipewyan and Uranium City.
Saskatchewan medical health officer Dr. James Irvine says smoke from Alberta wildfires has already been, and will be impacting communities across the north.
WATCH: Fort McMurray fires impact Saskatchewan residents
Smoke near the ground can cause high health risk conditions. Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Further away from the fires, smoke is mainly aloft and only causing moderate air quality issues.
Christa Dao contributed to this story
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