Wildfires in northern Saskatchewan force 1,000 from their homes

Wildfires raged through northern Saskatchewan on Friday, forcing approximately 1,000 people out of their homes. The three communities evacuated were the remote Wadin Bay, English River and Sucker River. Officials were worried that heavy smoke and flames would restrict access to the area with more hot, dry weather forecast for the next few days. Forty-three more wildfires started on Friday, bringing the total number to at least 70 now burning in the northern region of the province. The government suspects thousands of recent lightning strikes in the region sparked the new blazes. There have been 436 wildfires in Saskatchewan already this season, compared with 178 in 2014. A travel advis- ory is in effect for the region and roads could be closed if the fires get worse. Evacuees were travelling to Saskatoon and Prince Albert. “It is now over 500 hectares and it is posing a direct threat to Wadin Bay, Sucker River and English Bay, and we have recommended a full evacuation for those communities,” said Steve Roberts, executive director of wildfire management for the province. National Post news service