West winds are in the forecast until Monday and that will benefit communities closest to wildfires.

The English River First Nation ordered a partial evacuation of Patuanak late Wednesday afternoon. The “Muskeg” Fire is affecting access to Highway 918, which is the only land route south for the community.

Some Patuanak residents were flown by plane to Buffalo Narrows and then bussed to accommodations in Lloydminster.

Steve Roberts is the Vice President of Operations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Roberts talks about the wind conditions.

Beauval was evacuated earlier, and the closest fire is six kilometres north of the community. A west wind will not push the flames any closer.
At mid-afternoon on Thursday, there were 57 active wildfires burning in Saskatchewan, including 13 listed as not contained.