Thousands flee northern Saskatchewan as wildfires close highways and threaten communities, forcing urgent evacuations and state of emergency declarations.
Wildfires Trap Thousands in Northern Saskatchewan
A series of aggressive wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have triggered mass evacuations, leaving more than 4,000 residents scrambling for safety as flames and smoke cut off major evacuation routes. The hardest-hit community, Pelican Narrows—about 400 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert—faces blocked roads and hazardous air, making escape a tense ordeal for families and emergency crews alike.
Roads Blocked, Panic Grows
Residents recount harrowing journeys as highways closed with little warning. Many, like Cherish Morin, described scenes of panic at gas stations and the stress of leaving loved ones and homes behind. With Highway 106 and other key routes shut due to fire and smoke, evacuees were forced to take long detours or wait for brief windows of passage.
“There were many people at the gas station refueling. The atmosphere was filled withpanic, said Morin, who arrived in Saskatoon at 2 a.m. after a difficult journey.
State of Emergency and Evacuation Orders
The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as the wildfire advanced dangerously close to Pelican Narrows. About half of the village’s 4,000 residents had already evacuated, with the remainder ordered to leave immediately—either by bus or private vehicle. Evacuation centres have been set up in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Flin Flon to shelter those fleeing the fires.
Wider Impact: Multiple Communities at Risk
The crisis extends beyond Pelican Narrows. Wildfires have forced evacuations in Canoe Lake, Hall Lake, and other northern communities, while the Resort Village of Candle Lake issued a voluntary evacuation notice as flames approached. In some areas, cabins and homes have already been lost, and residents anxiously await updates on the fate of their properties.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings
Highway closures and poor air quality have complicated evacuation efforts. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency urges all residents to check the Highway Hotline for the latest updates and avoid routes affected by heavy smoke or active fire. Air quality advisories remain in effect across northeastern Saskatchewan, and a province-wide fire ban covers all unoccupied Crown land and provincial forests.
A Record-Breaking Fire Season
Officials report that Saskatchewan is experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in decades, with 205 fires recorded so far this year—far surpassing last year’s figures. Most of these fires have been linked to human activity, underscoring the urgent need for caution and prevention.
For more continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
