“They’re just getting this one day quick refresher course to make sure when they’re out and in the fire zone they are operating safely”, Defence Minister Jason Kenney said.
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More than 20 fires were sparked on Sunday alone, according to officials, AP reports.
Special air quality statements remained in effect for much of Saskatchewan, as well as northern Manitoba and Alberta and southern British Columbia, where heavy smoke was visible over Canada’s Pacific coast. Air quality advisories have been issued.
Duane McKay, Commissioner of Emergency Management, described fire conditions in the province as “fairly dire”.
Its latest update, dated July 6, said 51 communities were under full or partial evacuation due to wildfire threat or smoke as of that date, and that, so far in this fire season, there have been 574 wildfires – more than twice as many as the 205 at the same point a year ago.
The blaze, which had come within 1.5 kilometres of La Ronge, a town of 2,700 people, was one of hundreds burning across Western Canada.
A northern Saskatchewan aboriginal community is also seeking volunteers to help fight the fires.
There have been some earlier complaints of a food and supplies shortage at Cold Lake, but Jean-Pierre Taschereau, of the Red Cross, said that the organization is working hard to meet the need.
Sisters Jennifer and Mable Isbister, who had no time to pack their things after fleeing their home in La Ronge, said the past two days haven’t been easy for them or their families.
He said the fire situation across Western Canada is so busy that it is a challenge for the provinces to get enough firefighters.
“I think the solidarity and concern of all Canadians goes out to these families”, said the Governor General. “Some of us didn’t even have supper last night or breakfast this morning”.
“As we started down the road with these fires, Alberta and British Columbia fire hazards escalated, the numbers of fires increased and they had community evacuations as well”, Roberts said.
Meanwhile, Prince Albert M.P. Randy Hoback said Canadian military troops will be a big help on the front lines.
Smoke from two wildfires near Whistler, British Columbia, is contributing to poor air quality in the town renowned for its outdoor activities.
Alberta said Wednesday that it was bringing in 62 firefighters from Mexico to help battle 92 wildfires burning in the province, including 33 listed as out of control.
Authorities estimate between 10,000 to 12,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in the province in recent days.
As evacuees from Saskatchewan wildfires continue to stream into emergency shelters, the federal government is sending more supplies.
Another 240 soldiers from Edmonton were also in Saskatchewan helping with logistics.
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This article was from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
