Saskatchewan asks for federal help to fight wildfires

For months, the provincial government has resisted calls to follow Manitoba's lead and ask for federal assistance to fight wildfires, despite facing one of Saskatchewan's worst wildfire seasons.

Now, Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod has formally written to his federal counterpart asking for help.

The province requested up to 300 Type 3 fire personnel to help with wildfire mop-up operations, related logistical support for the new fire crews, and helicopters for bucketing and crew movement, according to a press release from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Authority.

Type 3 firefighters are hired on an emergency basis and generally work in less intense conditions, when a wildfire has already been contained or is under control, according to the authority.

McLeod previously said Saskatchewan did not need more of these types of firefighters.

In his letter to the federal government, McLeod also requested water haulers to help with wildfire mop-up and fire mitigation, and protection kits containing sprinklers and hoses to help protect structures in various communities.

Currently, there are 11 communities in the province under an evacuation order. 

In the release, the authority said the province requested assistance "due to the wildfire conditions continuing to impact communities and individuals in northern Saskatchewan."

Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said she has approved a request for federal assistance and that Armed Forces personnel and helicopters are being deployed.

In May, Premier Scott Moe declared a provincial state of emergency, saying the conditions facing northern communities were severe and unlike anything the province has "faced in quite some time, if not ever," but stopped short of asking for federal assistance.