Ramsey Bay Subdivision, Sask. ordered to evacuate due to wildfire

WATCH: Fast-moving winds are making wildfires burning in northern Sask. difficult to contain, provincial officials said on Friday.

A critical wildfire situation has developed in the Ramsey Bay Subdivision, Sask. prompting an immediate evacuation order from The Northern Municipal Services.

As of 4 p.m. on Friday, residents are being told to leave the area right away due to a fast-moving wildfire that is threatening access to and from the community.

Residents are instructed to gather at the designated muster point at the gravel pit, south of the subdivision, where they will be escorted through heavy smoke to Highway 2.

People are advised to bring their pets with them.

As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, there were 16 active wildfires burning across the province. According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), only three of them are contained.

Provincial officials say fast-moving winds are making wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan difficult to contain.

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In an update Friday afternoon, Steve Roberts from the SPSA said wildfires have moved significant distances due to windy conditions.

Roberts said a fire in the Flin Flon, Man. and Creighton, Sask. area that prompted mandatory evacuations this week is now expected to move closer to the communities.

More than 8,000 people have now been evacuated, while smoke from the fires has also prompted air quality warnings and statements from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

On Thursday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared a province-wide state of emergency as a result of the wildfires. The state of emergency will be in effect for 30 days and can be extended if need be.

-With files from The Canadian Press