Saskatchewan wildfires: 20 km policy could be reviewed, premier says

Premier Brad Wall says the 20kilometre wildfire policy that critics call "let it burn" could be reviewed.

Under the provincial environment ministry's wildfire practices, any fire within a 20 kilometre radius that poses a threat to a community will be managed with the intent to put it out.

However, fires outside that zone may or may not be fought, depending on an assessment.

Some people, including many from the northern fire zones, have accused the government of having a "let it burn" policy. They want fires to be attacked well before they get within the 20kilometre perimeter.

Wall said after the current wildfire crisis is dealt with, the government will review what worked and what didn't.

"We're going to review everything, including that policy," Wall said, who added that most, if not all provinces in Canada follow similar guidelines.

"The radius is something we can have a look at," Wall said.

There are more than 120 active fires in the province, according to the ministry. There have been 623 wildfires so far this season compared to 223 in 2014.