Firefighters in Saskatchewan are hoping that a change in weather expected over the weekend will help them contain dozens of wildfires that are burning throughout the province.
More than 5,000 people have been displaced, as crews continue to battle more than 110 wildfires the provincial government says are currently active in Saskatchewan.
Hot and dry conditions have been fuelling the flames, as a thick smoke lingers in most of the province and hampers firefighting efforts.
Air tankers have been grounded, leaving crews to fight the flames from the ground.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall met a group of firefighters Friday, thanking them for their ongoing efforts and urging them to stay safe.
"Thanks again for what you are doing for Saskatchewan," Wall said.
The province may see some relief on Saturday, when rainfall is in the forecast. Authorities say they are hoping that will allow crews to get the upper hand on some of the wildfires.
Fire officials have described it as the most complex firefighting season to ever hit the province. Crews have had to change tactics in order to protect their own lives, communities, and private and public infrastructure.
Approximately 50 communities across the province have been evacuated and officials have said there is a chance that number will rise on Friday.
Crews have so far kept the flames away from populated areas, though fires did reach the edges of Montreal Lake and the small community of Weyakwin, Sask.
Emergency shelters in Prince Albert and North Battleford are at full capacity, so officials are now looking to transport evacuees to Saskatoon and Regina.
Between 30 and 40 residents remain in Montreal Lake Cree Nation, one of the communities that was evacuated nearly a week ago.
Coun. Roger Bird, who stayed behind, said he doesn’t yet have an “exact date” as to when residents may return to the area.
“This fire is very unpredictable,” Bird told CTV’s News Channel on Friday. “There’s a lot of flare-ups and still a lot of smoke today.”
With files from The Canadian Press
