Hot, dry weather on tap in Prairie wildfires fight

Hot, dry conditions with the odd chance of rain are likely to greet crews battling wildfires that have forced thousands out of their homes from Alberta to Manitoba.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba have declared provincewide states of emergency to deal with the fires, most of which are scorching pockets of rural communities in remote northern regions.

Manitoba has seen 17,000 residents forced out in recent days, including 6,000 residents in and around the northwest city of Flin Flon.

In Saskatchewan, more than 4,000 people have fled the flames, including more than 2,000 in Pelican Narrows.

Alberta, which has taken the brunt of wildfire damage in recent years, has been comparatively better off.