Canadian soldiers packing their kit after tackling Saskatchewan’s wildfires

REGINA – Hundreds of Canadian soldiers are pulling out of northern Saskatchewan after helping in the battle to snuff out wildfires.

Brig.-Gen Wayne Eyre said Sunday with most evacuation orders lifted and fire lines pushed back due to rain and cooler temperatures, the majority of troops will be redeployed.

Eyre also says he expects most soldiers will be gone, or in the process of leaving, by Tuesday.

A detachment will be left behind to clean and finalize any outstanding orders or contracts.

For about two weeks, upwards of 1,000 soldiers have been working with firefighters, reservists and Canadian rangers on the front lines.

Saskatchewan deputy premier Don McMorris says residents are grateful for the extra help.

Nearly 4,500 people remain out of their homes because their communities are still being threatened by some of the 100 fires that were burning as of Sunday. (CJME, CTV Regina, The Canadian Press)