Saskatchewan not calling for help yet on wildfires: SPSA

Most of those working in the fire crews in northern Saskatchewan against the wildfires are from Saskatchewan — they’re either government workers or locals who’ve taken training.

No one has been brought in from outside the province — but that could change.

Steve Roberts, vice-president of operations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, said the agency has been checking with other provinces to see the availability of help — knowing there are fire situations in other provinces — but haven’t made the ask yet.

“We may have to bring crews in just to give our crews a chance to get off the line, to get some downtime before we put them back to work,” Roberts said during a conference call with reporters.

“They have been going hard at it for well over two and a half weeks, so we may have to look at some relief just so that they can get refreshed and get on the line here because this fire (situation) won’t be over anytime soon. We have a full season in front of us.”

Roberts said the SPSA is not looking at bringing in the military right now.

Saskatchewan could also look to the U.S. or other countries for help, but Roberts said that would only happen in an extreme situation.

The fire season has been challenging, according to Roberts, with so many fires so quickly. There have been nearly 200 wildfires so far in 2023, far above the five-year average of 122 for this time of year.

As of Thursday morning, there were 20 active wildfires in Saskatchewan, one of which was listed as “contained.”