Air quality advisories have been issued for a large portion of northern Saskatchewan as wildfire smoke continues to move through the region.
The affected area stretches from La Loche in the northwest to Cumberland House and Creighton in the east. It also includes La Ronge, Beauval, Île-à-la-Crosse, Buffalo Narrows, Pinehouse, Southend and Pelican Narrows.
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is causing periods of poor air quality, with smoke expected to remain in parts of the north until mid-week.
The advisories come as Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation continues to monitor wildfire activity near Southend.
PBCN’s Emergency Operations Centre says the main concern remains the Gulak Fire and the nearby South End IR-01 Fire. Due to changing winds, fire officials say the two fires may merge into one.
At this time, no evacuation has been ordered for Southend. Emergency transportation and hotel accommodations remain ready if conditions change.
Officials say projected fire growth remains within expectations and the fire is not expected to reach any evacuation levels within the next few days.
Additional firefighting resources are arriving in the community, including another helicopter, an ignition crew, values protection teams, high-volume pumps and sprinkler systems to protect homes and community infrastructure.
If a priority evacuation becomes necessary, P1 and P2 residents would primarily be accommodated in Saskatoon. A full community evacuation would be coordinated through the Canadian Red Cross and could include Prince Albert, Saskatoon or Regina, depending on hotel availability.
Heat warnings also remain in effect for parts of the far north, with daytime highs around 29 degrees expected into the middle of the week.
Residents are being advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, drink plenty of water and monitor official updates.
(TOP PHOTO – A photo from the 2025 wildfire season)