Heavy smoke is hampering the fighting of wildfires that are threatening some communities in northern Saskatchewan.
Premier Brad Wall said smoke in the La Ronge area has grounded aircraft that have been battling the flames.
Wall met a group of firefighters and thanked them for their efforts.
"I don't know if today there will be many helicopters or planes up so we are going to need you again and so have a very safe day, but have a successful day please, and thanks again for what you are doing for Saskatchewan," he said.
The province estimates the wildfires have forced more than 5,000 people from their homes.
Fifty-one towns, villages and reserves had been evacuated or partially-evacuated as a precaution.
Crews were managing to keep fires out of the communities, although flames did reach the edges of Montreal Lake and Weyakwin.
Smoke blanketing much of Saskatchewan prompted Environment Canada to issue special air quality statements for the province, as well as parts of Manitoba.
