REGINA - Heavy rainfall has helped to quell forest fires in parts of northern Saskatchewan, although blazes near some communities are still considered out of control.

Rhonda Michaels, with Saskatchewan Environment, says a fire near Deschambault Lake received 31 millimetres of rain Saturday.

The blaze is one of four defined as out of control, along with fires near Pelican Narrows and Uranium City.

Michaels says the fire near Deschambault Lake is "somewhat'' contained, but adds its status won't change until authorities are certain that flames won't jump protection lines.

More than 800 residents of Deschambault Lake have been given the go-ahead to return to the community.

Authorities also say they hope to know Monday as to when some 1,800 evacuees from other communities may be able to go home.