Northern Alberta wildfires 30 km from Sask. border

Smoke from the forest fires in Fort McMurray, Alta. continue to have detrimental effects on air quality in communities in northern Saskatchewan.

On Monday Environment Canada still had air quality statements for several northern communities including La Ronge and area, Candle Lake Provincial Park, Prince Albert National Park and Cumberland House. Smoke from the forest fires is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility on roadways, especially those areas closer to the Alberta border.

• Fort McMurray smoke still lingers in La Loche, Sask.
• Air quality alert issued for northern Saskatchewan communities

The front line firefighters in Fort McMurray said the fire is growing slower today, but still covers an area of 204,000 hectares. It is still some 25 to 30 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border with about 700 firefighters battling the blaze with another 300 on the way.

Fire season begins inSaskatchewan

Dry conditions are also providing ideal conditions for wildfires in Saskatchewan. On Monday the province's emergency management office said there are currently 17 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and all are contained at this time.

Seven of those fires are burning near Prince Albert, seven in the Buffalo Narrows region and three near La Ronge. Fire officials said none of the wildfires are within 15 kilometres of communities and the province has crews at every fire to make sure they don't escalate and threaten people.

Environment Canada said they expect the winds to shift to the north to help move smoke away from the affected areas.