Over 9,000 evacuated as wildfires devastate northern Saskatchewan; Premier warns up to 15,000 may need to leave as fires destroy homes and threaten communities.
Thousands Displaced as Saskatchewan Wildfires Escalate
Northern Saskatchewan is in the grip of a wildfire emergency, with more than 9,000 people already evacuated and Premier Scott Moe warning that the number could swell to 15,000 in the coming days. The wildfires, described by Moe as the most ferocious he has ever witnessed, have destroyed over 400 homes and buildings, leaving entire communities in crisis.
Communities Under Threat
The wildfires have rapidly advanced across the north, with 21 active blazes as of Tuesday afternoon—eight of which remain uncontained, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The Resort Village of Candle Lake declared a state of emergency as the Shoe fire, now the largest in the province at over 407,000 hectares, approached within 14 kilometers of the community. La Ronge, Air Ronge, the Lac La Ronge Indian Reserve, and dozens of other communities are under evacuation orders or alerts.
Timeline of the Crisis
The situation escalated sharply at the start of the week. On Monday, everyone within a 20-kilometer radius of La Ronge was told to leave immediately as a fast-moving fire threatened the area, including the local airport. Hospital and long-term care patients were evacuated by bus and ambulance after smoke made air evacuation impossible. By Tuesday, the fire had destroyed key infrastructure, including the SPSA’s air tanker base at La Ronge airport.
Devastation and Emergency Response
Entire neighborhoods have been lost, with La Ronge’s mayor confirming the destruction of a hardware store, multiple homes in the Eagle Point subdivision, and 13 houses in nearby Sucker River. In Denare Beach, residents watched live as fires engulfed their street, leaving only a handful of public buildings standing. Emergency crews, including local firefighters and RCMP, have been working under dangerous conditions, with some officers and emergency staff forced to relocate as the fires advance.
Causes and Conditions
The wildfires have been fueled by a lack of spring rain and persistent high winds, creating tinder-dry conditions across the region. Shifting winds continue to threaten new communities, making containment efforts even more challenging. The SPSA’s Steve Roberts confirmed that the Wolf fire, which devastated Denare Beach, has now crossed into Manitoba.
Relief Efforts and Federal Support
The federal government has pledged to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross, supporting wildfire relief and disaster recovery. Evacuees are being housed in centers across the province, while health care teams and local volunteers work around the clock to provide emergency services. Cell and internet outages have complicated communication, leaving many residents anxiously awaiting news about their homes and communities.
Ongoing Danger and Next Steps
With no significant rainfall expected and fires continuing to spread, officials warn that the crisis may worsen. Premier Moe has called for continued vigilance and support, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the situation. As Saskatchewan faces one of its most severe wildfire seasons, thousands remain displaced, and emergency teams prepare for further evacuations in the days ahead.
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