The weather is helping to contain the wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and push smoke back toward Alberta.
As of Friday, there were six wildfires burning in the province – two listed as uncontained. The Fort McMurray blaze remained at the border but hasn’t grown in size.
The direction of the wind not only helped to move smoke back to Alberta, it also gave Saskatchewan firefighters a chance to get closer to the flames.
“It will create a clear area of burnt material,” said Steve Roberts, executive director of Saskatchewan’s wildfire branch.
“It will allow us to engage right at the toe of the fire with being able to see it through the smoke.”
While the weather is helping, conditions in the province remain dry heading into the long weekend.
“We would ask people as they go into the weekend that they remain vigilant in their use of fire, obey all the fire bans (and) check with the communities,” said Duane McKay, provincial fire commissioner.
While there is a chance of showers for the weekend, Roberts pointed out that the system could also bring the danger of lightning which could spark more wildfires.
Crews and aircrafts will remain on high alert to respond to any new fires.