Thousands of evacuees that have been forced from their homes due to the wildfires in northern Saskatchewan are anxiously waiting for news on when they can return. But the wait may be long, as the fires may not be put out until the fall, scientists say.
Kerry Anderson, a scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, said an El Nino weather pattern could result in the wildfires burning up until the first snowfall.
"The large fires that are burning there will continue to burn until they are contained or until a fire-ending event may occur, and that may just end up being the first snowfall," he told The Canadian Press.
The Red Cross said more than 7,800 evacuees have registered for social services with the agency. However, up to 13,000 people have had to leave their communities because of the fires.
Some have been put up in shelters, including schools, gymnasiums, hotels, and hockey arenas, and others are staying with friends and family members, Jean-Pierre Taschereau, a manager with the Red Cross,
He said the Red Cross has been providing the evacuees in the shelters with "basic needs," but those staying elsewhere are also being provided with food vouchers, gas cards, and toiletries.
Taschereau said that at the moment, the agency is responding to the fires keeping in mind that no major destruction of property has occurred. However, if major destruction does occur, the Red Cross will ask for the public's help to find more long-term shelters.
"The Red Cross will be there for as long as the people need it,"
On Thursday, Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney toured an evacuation centre in Prince Albert. He said Ottawa was closely watching the situation on the ground.
"I want to reassure the support of the whole federal family in what is happening here," he told reporters.
"We are here, and we are going to be ready. This situation could be going on for a while," Blaney said.
The minister is also set to head up to the town of La Ronge, where more than 400 soldiers have been deployed to help fight the fires.
Many of the soldiers, who received basic firefighting training, will be aiding firefighters on the line.
"They'll be putting out hot spots, aiding the frontline crews that are going to be moving hoses, and also helping the air crews that are finally back up in the air," CTV's Winnipeg Bureau Chief Jill Macyshon said, noting that the dissipation of smoke has permitted the crews to take to the skies.
However, weather conditions in parts of the province are unfavourable for fighting fires.
Steve Roberts, from the province's Wildfire Management branch, said the dry and hot weather conditions, coupled with the shifting winds could cause more trouble spots.
With files from The Canadian Press
