Over 200 homes lost as wildfire devastates Denare Beach, Sask. Residents start returning as evacuation order lifts. Full return expected by June 26.
Partial Return Begins in Denare Beach
Some residents of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, began returning to the fire-stricken community this past weekend, nearly three weeks after a destructive wildfire tore through the area on June 2.
More Than 200 Homes Destroyed
The wildfire, known as the Wolf Fire, destroyed 218 permanent residences in the northern village. The scale of the destruction has left residents reeling. Local business owner Alannah Skot, who lost her home but saw her Overland Resort lodge survive, described the experience as “beyond devastating.”
Evacuation Order Eases in Stages
A partial lifting of the evacuation order was announced on Sunday, June 23, allowing permanent residents whose homes remain intact to return. A full lifting is expected by Wednesday, June 26, enabling seasonal residents and non-resident property owners to come back.
The village council has asked the public to avoid non-essential travel into the area to support recovery efforts and reduce pressure on limited resources.
First Nation Community Hardest Hit
On the nearby Denare Beach reserve, part of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, only 10 of approximately 35 homes were saved. The Nation is restricting access to the reserve to residents only and has introduced security measures to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized photography.
Medical Services Delay Full Return
Some residents dependent on healthcare services remain displaced. Denare Beach, along with nearby Creighton, relies on the city of Flin Flon, Manitoba, for hospital care. While Manitoba plans to lift the evacuation order for Flin Flon on June 26, health services like dialysis remain limited.
Maureen McBratney, a dialysis patient currently in Yorkton, expressed her frustration: “It’s hard knowing others can go home while I still have to wait.”
Fire Containment Shows Progress
As of Monday, June 24, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reported that the Wolf Fire was 30% contained. Three other major fires in the province are also being managed: the Shoe Fire is 50% contained, the Pisew Fire is 30%, and the Ditch Fire is 80%.
In total, 299 houses and 60 cabins have been destroyed across Saskatchewan this wildfire season.
Recovery Task Force En Route
The provincial government’s newly formed recovery task team has been deployed to Creighton to assess needs and coordinate support. Vice-president of operations Steve Roberts stated that recovery options are being explored for residents who are uninsured or without stable housing.
A Community Rebuilds
Though the return to Denare Beach is underway, the road to recovery remains long. Scorched homes, damaged infrastructure, and the emotional toll continue to challenge the community. Still, residents say being home—even amid the ruins—offers hope.
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