166 active wildfires reported in northern Sask, 15 not contained

166 wildfires continue to burn in Saskatchewan and 15 are still not contained as of Sunday afternoon.

While the number of active fires is slightly up from 160 last week, July 18, 2021, the number of uncontained fires is down from 29 last Sunday.

11 wildfires are currently contained, while 177arebeing monitored regularly to assess the risk in the area and 23 areactive and the focus is on protecting things like infrastructure and cabins, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency's (SPSA) website.

Overall there have been 459 wildfires this year, compared to the five-year average of 229.

All active wildfires are currently burning in the northern part of the province.

Firefighting crews have been particularly active north of Smeaton, by highway 106 and the south end of Narrow Hills Provincial Park, where 21,750hectares were burning as of Saturday, according to the province.

The wildfire is also not contained by Wildcat Hill Provincial Park north of Hudson Bay where 8,341hectares are affected as well as west of Southend (3,888hectares).

Smoke is impacting visibility and air quality

Highway 9 has reopened, according to the SPSA, but the smoke from a wildfire is impacting visibility and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. SPSA reminds the public to reduce speed since crews and equipment may be working in the area.

SPSA also warns about poor air quality in the rural municipality of Hudson Bay including Shoal Lake and Red Earth Reserves, as well as the rural municipality of Porcupine including Porcupine Plain and Weekes.

Elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring, according to a SPSA alert update.

Smoke from the forest fires also reduces visibility for communities near and downwind of the fires.

SPSA advises people to stay inside if they experience breathing difficulties. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, are particularly at risk.