Saskatchewan declares a 30-day state of emergency as wildfires force evacuations, threaten communities, and prompt urgent calls for firefighting support.
Saskatchewan Declares State of Emergency Amid Escalating Wildfires
Wildfires Force Urgent Action Across Northern Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is facing an escalating wildfire crisis, prompting the provincial government to declare a 30-day state of emergency. With more than a dozen active fires threatening northern communities, Premier Scott Moe warned that the situation is likely to worsen before relief arrives.
“Just looking ahead to the weather forecast. It doesn’t look good. It looks like it is going to further deteriorate. There’s no rain in the forecast,” Moe stated during a press briefing in Prince Albert.
The emergency declaration enables the province to mobilize additional resources and streamline support for wildfire suppression efforts. Moe called on residents with firefighting experience to join the battle, urging certified individuals to report to their nearest fire base.
Evacuations and Losses Mount as Fires Spread
So far, approximately 15 communities have been evacuated, with over 44 structures lost to the flames. The fires have forced thousands from their homes, including more than 5,500 members of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
As of Thursday, 17 wildfires remain active, with eight still uncontained. The largest, known as the Shoe Fire, has consumed 216,000 hectares and continues to threaten structures near East Trout Lake.
Human Activity Blamed for Many Fires
Steve Roberts, Vice President of Operations for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), highlighted that most of the current fires have been caused by human activity rather than lightning. He emphasized the importance of public vigilance to prevent further outbreaks.
“It’s people hearing the message and following the message to make sure that we do not add or compound to this problem,” Roberts said.
Firefighting Efforts and External Support
While Saskatchewan has not yet requested military assistance, reinforcements are arriving from other provinces and even Alaska. Aircraft from Quebec and Alaska, as well as ground crews from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, are joining the fight.
The SPSA has also established a dedicated toll-free hotline (1-855-559-5502) for public inquiries about the wildfire situation, staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fires of Note: The Battlefronts
- Shoe Fire:Largest in the province at 216,000 hectares, uncontained, and responsible for significant structural loss.
- JaySmith Fire:33,000 hectares north of Missinipe; back burns have been conducted, but smoke hampers efforts.
- Pelican2 Fire:Near Pelican Narrows, covering 55,873 hectares, uncontained, with ongoing property protection.
- Club Fire:North of Creighton, 25,000 hectares, affecting areas in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
- Wolf Fire:West of Denare Beach, 29,400 hectares, threatening the Foran mine site.
- Pisew Fire:West of La Ronge, 55,767 hectares, not contained.
- Ditch Fire:2,500 hectares, causing the evacuation of Weyakwin and impacting Highway 2.
First Nations Hit Hard by Wildfires
Three First Nations—Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Montreal Lake Cree Nation—have jointly declared their own state of emergency. Blocked evacuation routes and critical shortages of firefighting resources have heightened the crisis for these communities.
“We have crews still in the area, both in East Trout Lake and lower Fishing Lake,” said SPSA President Marlo Pritchard, underscoring the challenge of protecting remote communities.
Looking Ahead: Prevention and Preparedness
With forecasts predicting high temperatures and strong winds, officials warn that fire behavior could become even more extreme in the coming days. Premier Moe urged communities to remember the importance of fire prevention and preparedness, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to safeguard against future disasters.
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