There are 20 wildfires burning in the province as of 5 a.m. Monday morning and five are not contained. There have been 267 wildfires so far this year which is considerably more than the five-year average of 162.

The Shoe fire is now almost 555-thousand hectares in size and is still out of control. The latest update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Sunday indicates it is 45 per cent contained. The Jaysmith fire northeast of Missinipe is also not contained and is more than 165-thousand hectares in size. Float planes, helicopter support and air tanker support are helping fight the fire.

The Pisew fire west of La Ronge is almost 185-thousand hectares and in addition to more than a dozen communities impacted there is also infrastructure in the area for SaskPower, SaskTel and SaskEnergy as well as the SPSA Fire Base and La Ronge airport. Type 1,2, and 3 firefighters have been deployed to fight the fire. There is also helicopter, air tanker, heavy equipment and out of province supports. That is the same assembly of supports being used to fight the Ditch fire north of Weyakwin which now encompasses almost 183-thousand hectares. Lac La Ronge Provincial Park is closed until this Thursday.

The Wolf fire west of Denare Beach is also being attacked with similar resources and is now more than 161-thousand hectares in size just on the Saskatchewan side. Wildfire evacuees from Creighton and Denare Beach near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border were being allowed to return home Sunday. Residents are being told to bring at least a week’s supply of groceries and medications because there is no access to nearby Flin Flon until their evacuation is lifted. 218 residences were destroyed in Denare Beach. The Village Council says those who have lost their homes must secure accommodations before returning.

The Santo fire east of Pinehouse is 97-hundred hectares and in addition to Type 1,2, and 3 firefighters, that fire is being fought with helicopter and air tanker support.