Saskatchewan firefighters racking up injuries in the forest

Twisted ankles, dehydration and steam burns are just a few of the injuries firefighters are chalking up in the northern forests.

"We have had a number of injuries over the past several days,"said DuaneMcKay, Saskatchewan'sprovincial fire commissioner. "It is tough workand particularly dry work up there."

In addition to ankle twists and cuts, McKay said a member of the rapid response team received steam burns on Friday while putting out hot spots.

The individual "received steam burns to their arms and hands simply because of the tremendous heat that is stored up in the ground in some of these hot spots," he said.

McKay said the crew memberwas treated and is now resting at home.

Another firefighter was injured after trying to getout of the way of a falling tree.

McKay says theinjuries demonstrate why firefighters need to be welltrained before they hit the front lines.

"It's extremely dangerous work," he said.