The hot windy weather presented some challenges for firefighters in northern Saskatchewan on Friday but the situation has improved somewhat on Saturday.
Several fires flared up yesterday and 3 structures were destroyed at Wadin Bay.
There was also one structure destroyed at Weyakwin and at least 6 were destroyed at Montreal Lake.
Friday evening all people at Montreal Lake were evacuated but Steve Roberts, the Executive Director of Wildfire Management say essential personnel have returned today.
Provincial officials are also working on a fire which is now about 2 kilometers from Pinehouse.
Crews there have established heavy equipment guards and sprinkler systems.
Sask Power is also attempting to replace 16 damaged poles in the Pinehouse area and restore electricity.
There have also been interruptions to the power line heading into Montreal Lake.
The list of highways which are closed due to fire include Hwy 955 north of La Loche, 916, 969, 165 West of the 910 Junction, to Beauval, Ramsey Bay Road, Weyakwin Access and Highway 165 East of Lac la Plonge.
North of La Ronge, Highway 102 in closed heading north from the airport, closed at Stanley Mission and also closed at Otter Lake.
Highway 2 south of La Ronge to Prince Albert was re-opened Saturday morning but that could change at any time.
About 600 ground firefighters continue working on the fires today.
There are 53 helicopters and 18 air tankers being used.
The number of people staying in evacuation centres in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina is now at 5,588.
Dense smoke from the fires in the north is expected to reach the southern half of the province on Sunday.