17 wildfires burn in Saskatchewan, most contained

After new numbers came in Monday morning, 17 wildfires are burning across Saskatchewan.Information is updated daily.

All are either contained or undergoingassessment. There are seven in the Prince Albert area, seven in the Buffalo Narrows region, and three near La Ronge.

• Sask. fires under control, risk remains high
• Smoke biggest concern as Alberta wildfires creep toward Saskatchewan

So far this year Saskatchewan has had 137 wildfires that's 41 more than this time last year.

Most wildfires human caused

Most of the fires are human caused, according to Duane McKay, provincial fire commissioner. He's reminding people to be vigilant in how they use fire and to respect fire bans where they are in place.

"Where they're not in place, do not use fire unless absolutely necessary, take appropriate precautions for recreational use, campfires and so on."

McKay says the conditions across the province vary enough that at this point they are not issuing a province-wide ban.

Fires still not reaching communities

The fires in the province are still 15 km or more from any communities and those in Alberta are at least 30 km from the border. McKay said the province has someone in every fire area, making plans with the communities in case the fires escalate.

McKay said they are watching Manitoba's fire situation to see how it develops.

"We're viewing this as a Western Canadian event and certainly want to help our neighbours East and West of us to ensure that we're all working co-operatively together."