Wildfires are threatening homes, campgrounds and entire communities across our near north. Some fires are already four times the size of major Saskatchewan cities, and conditions continue to change quickly.
Stay with 980 CJME for the latest. We’re providing real-time updates from trusted sources, interviews with local leaders and experts, and the information that matters most to you and your family.
LATEST WILDFIRE NEWS
NDP criticizes Sask. Party for wildfire response delay as 2,800 remain evacuated
MLA Jordan McPhail said the province waited too long to request federal help. He hopes the arrival of additional crews will finally bring relief to front-line crews and allow more evacuees to return home.
19h ago
Why the SPSA waited until now to call in the military for wildfire help
Nearly 300 troops from the Canadian Armed Forces are expected to arrive in Sask. by Saturday to help fight the wildfires raging in the northern part of the province. The SPSA made the call to Ottawa on Wednesday.
20h ago
Ramsey Bay, Weyakwin Lake Recreation Site on evacuation alert due to Buhl Fire
According to Prince Albert National Park, visitors and residents are not required to leave yet, but should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. The fire is approximately eight km away from Ramsey Bay.
Jul 24, 2025
Saskatoon sets new record for wildfire smoke as experts say the haze is here to stay
Saskatoon has already broken its record for smoke for this time of year. Regina has tied its worst year, and experts say Canadians must prepare to live with smoky skies over the long term.
Jul 23, 2025
PHOTOS: DEVASTATING FIRES
A wildfire rages at Sucker River. (Maurice Ratt/Facebook)
Firefighters work in La Ronge. (La Ronge Regional Fire Department/Facebook)
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson thanks wildland firefighters. (Facebook)
A destroyed cabin at East Trout Lake. (Carla Beck/Facebook)
Firefighters from many regions gather for a briefing. (Jay Ar En/Facebook)
Smoke fills the skies over Sucker River. (Maurice Ratt/Facebook)
Melfort Fire and Rescue is working in La Ronge. (Melfort Fire/Facebook)
The Shoe Fire, near Little Bear Lake. (Nova Scotia Govt.)
The RONA store in La Ronge burned down on June 3. (RONA+ Saskatoon/Facebook)
Robertson Trading in La Ronge was lost to the Pisew Fire. (Brian Sklar/Facebook)
A home destroyed in Eagle Point, near La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)
Wildfire near the bridge on the south side of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Wildfires near Weyakwin in May 2025 (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW).
MORE WILDFIRE NEWS
Buhl wildfire near Waskesiu shows no recent growth; 49 blazes burning in the north
According to Parks Canada, as of Monday the fire remained eight kilometres from Ramsey Bay, 12 kilometres from Montreal Lake, and 30 to 38 kilometres from Waskesiu, Elk Ridge and McPhee Lake.
Jul 23, 2025
Why a lawsuit about government response to Sask. wildfires isn't going ahead
"We want answers on what happened, where the ball was dropped ... now it just seems like we probably will never get those answers," said Rhonda Werbicki, who lost her Denare Beach home.
Jul 22, 2025
Wildfire smoke slows Sask. garden growth, dropping tomato and cucumber yields
Wildfire smoke is stalling garden crops and lowering sales at Dutch Growers, with tomatoes and cucumbers among the hardest hit, according to greenhouse owner and Garden Talk host Rick Van Duyvendyk.
Jul 22, 2025
Saskatchewan's air quality could remain low for days due to wildfire smoke
"There's not much on the horizon changing," meteorologist Robyn Dyck said. "For the foreseeable future it might be pretty bad... Until the fires are completely out, there won't be an end to the smoke....
Jul 22, 2025
Heavy weekend rain didn't do much for Sask. wildfires, SPSA reports
This weekend's rainfall mostly missed Saskatchewan's wildfires but a small amount added some humidity, helping crews battling the blazes. The number of people evacuated is now more than 2,800.
Jul 22, 2025
Buhl Fire holds steady near Prince Albert National Park as crews gain ground
The Buhl Fire near Prince Albert National Park hasn't moved closer to communities, and containment efforts and weather are working in favour of those fighting the fire, Parks Canada said on Saturday.
Jul 19, 2025
Muskeg Fire spreads, closing Highway 155 to non-essential travel: SPSA
SPSA Vice-President Steve Roberts said the highway is closed to the public because of the smoke and fire risks for drivers and crews, but, this weekend's weather might shift winds for the better.
Jul 18, 2025
'Getting married no matter what': Wildfire won't cancel wedding
A Regina couple's weekend plans to wed in Waskesiu are in jeopardy because of the nearby Buhl Fire. But even if the location has to change, they said it doesn't mean their wedding date will.
Jul 18, 2025
Warman fire crews battle 'erratic, unprecedented' Beauval wildfire
Russ Austin, the Warman Fire Chief, said even fire crews from the U.S. who joined the effort to fight the Saskatchewan fires say they've never dealt with fires like this before.
Jul 18, 2025
Wildfire impacted residents wonder why Premier Scott Moe hasn't visited yet
Premier Scott Moe admits he has not yet visited the wildfire-devastated communities of Denare Beach and East Trout Lake. Denare Beach resident Linda Lowe, who lost her house, thinks it's too little, too late.
Jul 17, 2025
Outsourcing firefighting efforts to help provincial crews battle 48 blazes
Firefighters from Canada and beyond are coming to Saskatchewan to help contain wildfires, some of which were caused by campers ignoring the current fire ban, according to SPSA Vice-President Steve Roberts.
Jul 16, 2025
Waskesiu businesses, visitors not concerned about wildfire threat near community
Parks Canada has reiterated that there's no immediate threat to the community regarding the Buhl fire, but the town is on a pre-evacuation alert. "It does feel like business as usual," said Rayne Cook.
Jul 16, 2025
Buhl Fire still not close enough to Waskesiu to issue evacuation alert, Parks Canada says
Hot and dry weather conditions forecast for Prince Albert National Park in the next few days means those people fighting the Buhl Fire will not see "any significant relief" in the area soon.
Jul 16, 2025
Wildfires merging into larger blazes, says SPSA president
Crews are focused on protecting northern communities as wildfires continue to burn, says Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency president Marlo Pritchard. He spoke Tuesday on The Evan Bray Show about ongoing efforts.
Jul 15, 2025
Wildfire smoke chokes southern and west central Sask. on Tuesday
Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning stretching from the Alberta border to central Saskatchewan and down to the US border, affecting Saskatoon, Swift Current, Prince Albert, and more in the southwest...
Jul 15, 2025
Volunteer firefighters brave Muskeg Fire to save homes in Beauval
Ten volunteer fire departments travelled to Beauval, answering requests from the SPSA to protect buildings. For two southern Saskatchewan firefighters, it was unlike any blaze they've fought before.
Jul 14, 2025
Wildfire now in Prince Albert National Park one of 55 burning in Saskatchewan
The Buhl Fire, which caused an alert to be issued on Sunday, has entered the northeast corner of Prince Albert National Park and is around 20 kilometres from the resort subdivision of Ramsey Bay.
Jul 14, 2025
'They saved our community': Beauval mayor thanks firefighters
Although a concession stand, garage, and a few vehicles were lost, Beauval Mayor Rick Laliberte said all homes were spared. Still, the danger isn't over, as wildfires continue to threaten the area.
Jul 14, 2025
Sask. wildfire smoke triggers air quality warning for Saskatoon
Environment Canada said on Monday morning that the wildfire smoke in the Saskatoon area is supposed to hang around for the rest of the day and possibly tomorrow, extending into southwestern Saskatchewan.
Jul 14, 2025
Prince Albert National Park under wildfire emergency alert
Residents and visitors in the area are being asked to prepare for possible evacuation. According to the alert, the Buhl Wildfire is only 40 km away from Waskesiu.
Jul 14, 2025
NDP upset over Beauval wildfire miscalculation from SPSA
Leroy Laliberte said things got chaotic once the evacuation alert came through due to how fast everything changed. "People were in scramble mode. I'm really thankful that nobody's been hurt."
Jul 13, 2025
NDP outlines concerns to ombudsman over wildfire response
The Saskatchewan NDP has filed a complaint with the provincial ombudsman over incorrect SaskAlert updates sent during this year's wildfire evacuations, as well as delays in emergency funds and mental health support.
Jul 11, 2025
Smoke-filled weekend ahead on the prairies: Environment Canada
Air quality advisories from Environment Canada covered a majority of the province on Friday due to smoke from wildfires, including major cities like Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.
Jul 11, 2025
Insurance company brings in private personnel to protect homes from wildfires
"We engage in interventions that are designed to simply harden the home for the two to 10 minutes that it takes for a wildfire to come through, and protect the property from embers."
Jul 11, 2025
Manitoba is under provincewide emergency order as wildfires continue to burn
The government declared the order Thursday, for the second time this year, and with the latest round of fires and evacuations, the province reported more than one million hectares burned.
Jul 11, 2025
Sask. wildfire response sparks talk of class-action lawsuit
Residents who lost their homes during the wildfires are expressing interest in a class-action lawsuit against the provincial government's wildfire response.
Jul 10, 2025
Weekend wind forecast offers relief in Saskatchewan wildfire fight
West winds over the next four days, followed by north winds on Monday, are expected to keep wildfires from moving closer to Patuanak. The Muskeg fire is 39.5 km away and the Smith fire is 28.5 km from the town.
Jul 10, 2025
Wildfires force evacuations of Garden Hill, Snow Lake in northern Manitoba
Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister for emergency management, said Ottawa has approved Manitoba's request for armed forces support and evacuations in the Garden Hill area are underway.
Jul 10, 2025
Provincial fire ban starting Thursday, no ATV ban yet: SPSA
The ban includes the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River, restricting open fires, controlled burns and fireworks within the boundary.
Jul 09, 2025
Wisconsin and Minnesota Republicans call on Canada to curb wildfire smoke
The six Republican lawmakers say successive years of wildfires in Canada have undermined air quality in their states and robbed Americans of their ability to enjoy the summer.
Jul 09, 2025
Emergency co-ordinator for English River wants to see more wildfire prevention work from Sask. gov.
"I think at some point there has to be a lot more effort and funding put into mitigation so that we can not have to be displaced just because we live in the north," said Candyce Paul.
Jul 09, 2025
Denare Beach residents have mixed reactions on gov't wildfire funding
The provincial government has given $20 million for different wildfire relief efforts, but some residents are worried it won't be enough to cover all costs.
Jul 08, 2025
'No evidence' of fires forcing wildlife closer to cities: Sask. Wildlife Federation
Wildlife wandering through or near urban areas aren't animals escaping wildfires, according to experts. Instead, it has to do with migration routes.
Jul 08, 2025
Saskatchewan's massive Shoe Fire still only 68 per cent contained: SPSA
On Saturday, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said that 22 of 64 blazes burning in the province were not contained, while another 24 of the fires were under ongoing assessment.
Jul 05, 2025
Northern Manitoba town orders evacuation as wildfire threatens power
The evacuation of Lynn Lake begins Friday, though officials haven't provided a time for when residents must be out of their homes. The town says it is offering bus transportation for evacuees.
Jul 04, 2025
Beauval general store manager stays, as village recieves mandatory evacuation order
Fab Damodharan and his family, who work at the store, were told they had to stay as an essential service for other people staying behind and for fire crews in the area.
Jul 03, 2025
Sask. law firm considering class action suit against province over wildfire response
Chad Eggerman, founding partner of Procido Law, which has an office in Saskatoon, said in the five days since his firm first asked for feedback on its website, the response has been high.
Jul 03, 2025
Province battling 66 active wildfires, three communities evacuated: SPSA
SPSA officials warn the danger isn't over, with hotter, drier conditions forecast for the summer. Many of the new fires were started by lightning strikes. SPSA's Steve Roberts warns the season is far from over.
Jul 03, 2025
Fire again threatens Lytton, B.C., one of hundreds of blazes across Canada
This week marks the four-year anniversary of a deadly wildfire that destroyed the British Columbia village of Lytton and the community is again under threat, with a fire burning north of the community.
Jul 02, 2025
Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn different parts of Canada
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there were 64 active wildfires in the province on Wednesday morning, with 19 considered uncontained. So far this season, Saskatchewan has seen 327 wildfires.
Jul 02, 2025
Wildfire devastation will lead to a rebirth of the boreal forest
Wildfires are a natural occurrence that can create a rebirth for the boreal forest. Some plants, trees and even animals can thrive in areas that have been burned, a forestry expert says.
Jun 29, 2025
How Saskatchewan wildfires could affect future insurance policies
When the Shoe Fire near Candle Lake was at its peak, people buying homes in Prince Albert, over 50 km away, were being denied insurance coverage.
Jun 28, 2025
Saskatchewan's wildfire state of emergency ends, 25 fires still burning
The state of emergency went into effect on May 29, after an early start to the wildfire season forced thousands of people to leave their homes and strained provincial firefighting resources.
Jun 27, 2025
Wildfire crisis exposes flaws in public alerting landscape
A vague evacuation alert was issued due to a fire in Weyakwin due to a wildfire, but the area outlined in the alert map contained the entire city of Prince Albert, setting off panic and confusion.
Jun 26, 2025
'Just unbelievable': Emotional return for Denare Beach residents
After a partial lift this past weekend, Denare Beach fully lifted its evacuation order Wednesday morning. But, residents are coming home to what some say looks like "a war zone."
Jun 26, 2025
'Left to burn': Saskatchewan family calls for answers after East Trout Lake wildfire
"We were left to burn," said East Trout Lake residents who lost everything in a wildfire they claim was preventable. Now they're calling on the province to act, before it happens again.
Jun 25, 2025
Creighton residents return home, mayor says community undamaged by wildfires
Bruce Fidler, Creighton's mayor, said evacuees were able to return home as of Sunday, though the air is still smoky at times. He expressed his thanks to the fire crews that kept the community safe.
Jun 25, 2025
'Survival mode': Denare Beach evacuee reflects on losing home days before her due date
Brooke Kindel, now in Saskatoon, is now focused on securing a rental home for her family for the next year, all while navigating insurance claims and preparing for a new baby.
Jun 23, 2025
Biggest wildfires in Saskatchewan still not contained
SPSA said blazes not contained in the province on Sunday include the Pisew, Wolf and Ditch fires, as well as the massive Shoe Fire, which is nearly 10 times the size of the City of Saskatoon.
Jun 22, 2025
Denare Beach woman says more could've been done to save homes destroyed by fire
"Had those water bombers been on the fire long before that fire turned around, they probably could have saved our community, but they chose not to," said Denare Beach resident Keri Lentowicz.
Jun 20, 2025
