Saskatoon | Arab Canada News

Violent and rapidly spreading wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have forced more than 4,000 people to leave their homes, in one of the largest evacuation operations the province has seen this year.

Local authorities stated that the fires, which broke out near the town of "Buffalo Narrows" and surrounding communities, have become a direct threat to residential areas and infrastructure, necessitating the declaration of a state of emergency and the activation of immediate evacuation plans.

The Saskatchewan Emergency Management Agency pointed out that strong winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the fires, as firefighting teams on the ground, supported by aerial firefighting aircraft, are working to contain the flames.

Officials in the province confirmed that the priority right now is to ensure the safety of residents and provide shelter and emergency support to the displaced, in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross and federal authorities.

Northern Saskatchewan is facing a particularly dangerous wildfire season this year, amid warnings that rising temperatures and decreasing humidity levels are fueling the situation.

Authorities have urged residents to follow official updates and not to return to their homes until clear instructions are issued, while many citizens expressed concerns about a repeat of last year's fires, which caused extensive damage in the area.