The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) issued an update on the wildfire situation in northern Saskatchewan on Tuesday afternoon.
As of 11:00 am, there were 50 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, four are categorized as contained, 12 are not contained, 18 are ongoing assessment, and 16 are listed as protecting values.
Extra support arrived as 40 firefighters from Australia arrived to assist with the firefighting efforts, with another 40 from Mexico expected to arrive later this week.
Last week, the province of Quebec provided a helping hand with two CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel.
Along with Quebec, British Columbia and Alaska has provided Saskatchewan with aircraft assistance. Wildland firefighters and personnel from Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota and the United States Forest Service have also provided support for Saskatchewan.
"Saskatchewan is grateful to everyone who has helped with the unprecedented wildfire season," SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. "Thank you to everyone local and abroad for the immense support in the air and on the ground.
Nine communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Jans Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation as well as priority individuals from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Cole Bay/Canoe Narrows