Forest fire conditions 'normal' in Sask. after record blazes in 2015

An aerial view of burned forest near Weyakwin, Saskatchewan, on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Pool/Liam Richards-The StarPhoenix)

Saskatchewan Environment Minister Herb Cox says there are "relatively normal conditions" ahead of the forest-fire season, after historic blazes last year.

There was some concern earlier this year due to below-normal snowfall and generally warmer temperatures over much of northern Saskatchewan this winter.

Saskatchewan also recalled firefighting crews early as it prepared for what was feared to be an early start to the wildfire season.

But Cox says officials in the north have told him there's been some improvement in terms of the snow pack and more moisture.

The province's fire hazard map currently shows a moderate risk across northern Saskatchewan.

There were 720 fires that forced about 13,000 people from their homes last year and burned 17,000 square kilometres of forest.