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Saskatchewan’s wildfire state of emergency ended at midnight on Thursday, although a number of fires are still burning around the province.
The state of emergency went into effect on May 29, after an early start to the wildfire season forced thousands of people to leave their homes and strained provincial firefighting resources.
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According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there were still 25 fires burning around the province as of 7:30 a.m. on Friday.
So far this year, the province has seen 273 wildfires, well ahead of the 186 fires seen by June 27, 2024 and significantly higher than the five-year average of 171.
Of the 25 active fires, 11 were listed as “not contained.”
According to an update issued on Thursday by the public safety agency, one community – East Trout Lake – remains under an evacuation order, and the agency’s Recovery Task Team is meeting with community leaders in places like Creighton and Denare Beach to co-ordinate recovery efforts.
“Over $5.1 million has been transferred directly to residents as well as communities that are distributing the $500 Government of Saskatchewan Financial Assistance to their residents that have been impacted by the wildfires,” the agency said in a statement.
“This financial support will reach over 10,000 individuals who qualify. The SPSA is continuing to coordinate with communities that have asked for its support in distributing this financial assistance.”
Any evacuees who have not yet registered with the provincial government were encouraged to do so online or by phone at 1-855-559-5502.
