Fire by Candle Lake grows, White Fox fire burns on

During a media conference call Monday morning, the ministry of environment provided an update on the wildfire burning north of White Fox.

The fire, which started Friday, has grown to 23 square kilometres in size, roughly the same size as the City of Yorkton.

“We have 30 some folks there, we brought in another 35 people in yesterday so they’ll be moving around the line in conjunction with the heavy equipment.  We’re hoping for some good progress today,” said Curtis Lee, director of Wildfire Management Operations.

Twenty-three people who live in the area have been evacuated.  The majority of them are staying with friends and family, but seven are being cared for by social services.

“Those people are currently being supported in Nipawin, working with NSS (Northern Social Services) and the Red Cross,” said Deanna Wysoskey with social services.

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A smaller fire burning southwest of Candle Lake is also causing problems. The forested area is difficult to access, and dry conditions are expected to continue for at least the next few days.

“There is no access, there’s very little water in the area, we’re moving cats and crawlers into the area this morning, establishing heli-pads trying to fight it that way,” Lee said.

There are 19 wildfires burning in the province.

Some air tankers from Quebec will be arriving Monday to assist provincial crews.

A fire ban continues at parks across northern Saskatchewan.  Open fires are prohibited. Only barbecues and camp stoves will be allowed.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell