Statement issued by the Saskatchewan government at 4:01 p.m., May 17, 2016:
Based on current weather and wind conditions, we believe the Fort McMurray fire –which was approximately 5 km from the shared border as of 2 pm today — will reach the border, but it’s difficult to predict exactly when.
Saskatchewan wildfire staff are already helping to fight the Fort McMurray fire in Alberta, and Wildfire Management is continuing to prepare for the eventuality that it will cross the boundary. We continue to mobilizing resources and we’re ready.
Once it reaches the border, the fire will still be more than 40 kilometres from any Saskatchewan community and numerous lakes, swamp and old burns in the area where the fire is projected to enter Saskatchewan will assist firefighters.
There is no immediate threat to any Saskatchewan communities.