More than two dozen northern Saskatchewan communities are under evacuation orders as wildfires threaten homes, mines, and parks, forcing over 8,000 residents to flee their homes.Sixteen to 18 fires are actively burning, part of a season total of 219, which is far above the five year average of 131. Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said that five blazes are contained while up to eight remain out of control, many of which are believed to be human caused.Late Monday, officials ordered everyone out of La Ronge, Air Ronge, and the Lac La Ronge indigenous reserve after the Pisew fire jumped the airport fence. .Buses rolled south on Highway 2 toward an emergency reception centre in Prince Albert, where beds, food, and medical care were provided.The 83,000 hectare Pisew blaze is only one front in a wider battle. Northeast of Prince Albert, the Shoe fire has expanded to 407,000 hectares, emptying hamlets and closing Narrow Hills Provincial Park. Elsewhere, the Jaysmith, Wolf, Club, Pelican2, and Ditch02 fires continue to burn near power lines and cabins..At least 163 buildings, ranging from homes and cottages to garages and provincial outposts, have been destroyed by wildfires.Healthcare workers have moved more than 45 acute care patients and long term residents out of La Ronge while air tankers fly overhead.Several highways are shut or under convoy escort, and the province has imposed a full fire and ATV ban across the north..SPSA asks drivers to keep off smoky roads unless evacuating or delivering essential supplies to fire crews.Hot, dry weather is forecast to continue for several days, with the SPSA expecting more lightning sparked fires before cooler conditions arrive later in the week. The SPSA warns residents in the north to stay packed and ready as evacuation orders could come with little advance notice.
