(File photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment)

By Libby Giesbrecht/ CJME News

Warm, dry conditions spark fires causing smoke-filled Sask. skies

Oct 8, 2021 | 1:18 PM

The living skies have been extremely smoky this week.

Christopher Clemett from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said the smoke has been caused by wildfires in the northeast part of Saskatchewan and is affecting many communities across the province.

Warm and dry conditions are to blame for the continued wildfire season. Clemett said this isn’t unheard of and longer seasons of fires have been seen in the past.

The wildfire smoke has caused decreased air quality in areas across Saskatchewan this week.

Crews from across the province have been recalled and redeployed by the SPSA to control the fires, using tankers, helicopters and ground crews. Smaller fire starts in the area are being quickly addressed by some redeployed crews as well, to prevent fires from growing and spreading.

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Clemett said the fires are expected to be human-caused, as no recent storms or lightning have occurred.

Special air quality statements were issued by Environment Canada on Friday, suggesting the smoke may remain for much of the day.

“High pressure building into the province has resulted in light winds and stagnant, smoky conditions with little dispersion that will persist through much of the day today,” the statement said.

“Winds will shift to southerly on the back side of the ridge of high pressure, which may give some improvement to southeastern regions through the day on Friday, while regions in close vicinity to the fires will continue to see poor air quality for the coming days.”