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
More Canadians report being affected by extreme weather after hot, dry summer: poll
This year saw wildfires consume nearly 90,000 square kilometres in Canada - an area larger than New Brunswick - making it the second-worst wildfire season on record.
Sep 24, 2025
Study estimates 2023 Canadian wildfire smoke caused 82,000 premature deaths globally
The study acknowledges some variation in mortality estimates depending on the methods used, but says its overall conclusion is the smoke led to an "enormous and far-reaching" health burden.
Sep 10, 2025
Unprecedented Saskatchewan wildfire season has impact on northern outfitters
Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters said the loss of operations and the cancellation of trips because of the fires resulted in revenue losses over $4 million in early part of the season.
Sep 07, 2025
'Just across the river:' Fires near Île-à-la-Crosse subdivisions keep crews busy
Vince Ahenakew, deputy mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse, said while the community is well-defended, some subdivisions are at risk. He wants to see more boots on the ground on the fire line, especially their loc...
Sep 03, 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
La Ronge man charged with arson after allegedly starting major Weyakwin-area wildfire
After a police investigation, 29-year-old Jason Halkett was charged with one count of arson with damage to property. He was arrested in Saskatoon by city police officers on Wednesday, the RCMP said.
Aug 29, 2025
Denare Beach wildfire victims struggling with mental health
"It feels like we don't matter up here. It's just an awful feeling. I don't sleep well at night. None of us are," said Dustin Trumbley, who lost his Denare Beach home. "I'm a mental wreck."
Aug 24, 2025
Devastating wildfires have trappers bracing for 'catastrophic losses'
The Government of Saskatchewan says the trapping industry in the province includes more than 4,500 registered trappers and generates between $1.5 and $6 million every year.
Aug 23, 2025
Most wildland firefighters in Saskatchewan don't wear masks. Here's why.
Less than five per cent of personnel working the wildfires in Saskatchewan are wearing masks, and that's not likely to change any time soon despite the health risks from smoke exposure.
Aug 23, 2025
Soot from wildfires on Rocky Mountains glaciers affects Sask. water security
As 67 fires still burned in Saskatchewan on Monday, one expert says that smoke depositing soot on glaciers signals "the final end of the Ice Age," as well as affecting the province's water supply.
Aug 18, 2025
Premier defends whereabouts in the wake of Sask. wildfires
While Premier Scott Moe says he hasn't personally visited Denare Beach in the wake of the wildfires, he said his public safety minister has been advocating on its behalf.
Aug 16, 2025
Who bears responsibility to prevent wildfire disasters: Government or individuals?
In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, last week provincial governments banned hiking, fishing and using vehicles in the woods in addition to their existing bans on open fires.
Aug 15, 2025
How Canadians can prepare for wildfire evacuations, from emergency plans to go bags
Public Safety Canada suggests an emergency kit should have non-perishable food and two litres of water per person, per day, along with medications, flashlights, a radio, cash and important documents.
Aug 13, 2025
Fire ban to remain in place after rain fails to quench fires in northern Saskatchewan
"Although there were periods of rainfall in the north this past weekend, the heavier rainfall was located in the south. Large fuels such as logs, stumps and tree trunks remain prevalent in the north."
Aug 12, 2025
Massive Shoe Fire remains uncontained as 84 blazes burn in Saskatchewan
SPSA's daily report showed on Sunday that the Shoe Fire is still the largest in the province, covering 565,701 hectares (more than 1,397,877 acres) - nearly 25 times the size of the City of Saskatoon.
Aug 10, 2025
Call to drop PST on labour to help communities rebuild after devastating wildfires
NDP Leader Carla Beck said the provincial tax on labour is "about 30 to upwards of 50 per cent of the cost" of building, and removing it would be a much needed gesture of practical help and goodwill.
Aug 09, 2025
Canada's 2025 wildfire season now second-worst on record, fuelled by Prairies blazes
This season has strained firefighting resources, displaced thousands of people and stifled communities across Canada in wildfire smoke, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba seeing the most area burned.
Aug 08, 2025
Learn the health risks associated with wildfire smoke in Saskatchewan
Dr. Simon Kapaj said health effects from wildfire smoke can range in severity, with mild symptoms including headache and a mild cough, along with irritation to the nose, eyes and throat.
Aug 08, 2025
Public safety agency says rainfall not enough for significant change to Sask. wildfires
Steve Roberts, the SPSA's vice president of operations, said fire conditions have improved slightly, but the rain that fell in recent days hasn't been enough to change the overall outlook on the fires.
Aug 07, 2025
Northern half of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario are under air quality warnings
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is contributing to the region's very poor air quality and could cause reduced visibility today. The warnings stretch through much of Saskatchewan.
Aug 06, 2025
Rainfall helped make Buhl Fire less intense, Parks Canada says
The blaze was holding at just under one kilometre from Ramsey Bay on Tuesday, but there are still 84 fires burning in the province and only six are considered to be contained, SPSA says.
Aug 05, 2025
Hot weather makes firefighting 'challenging' as 80 blazes burn in Saskatchewan
Hot, dry and and windy conditions are not helping firefighting efforts, and Parks Canada said on Sunday the Buhl Fire was approximately .9 km from Ramsey Bay, which is under an evacuation order.
Aug 04, 2025
Memories, valuables and hope found in Denare Beach wildfire ashes
A team of volunteers with Samaritan's Purse are donning safety gear to sift through the rubble in Denare Beach to help residents recover treasured possessions from homes destroyed by the Wolf Fire.
Aug 03, 2025
Saskatchewan wildfire smokes spreads very high risk air quality warnings
Smoke prompted air-quality warnings across Saskatchewan, with some of the worst air expected in La Ronge and Buffalo Narrows, as the number of active fires burning in the province jumped to 73.
Aug 02, 2025
Village of Pinehouse evacuated as Muskeg fire creeps closer, Beauval evacuees return
All non-essential residents of the northern village of Pinehouse are being evacuated, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. The province continues to battle 56 active wildfires.
Jul 30, 2025
Beauval residents return home after nearly 30 days away
Those who self-evacuated are returning by vehicle, while others are expected to return via bus arranged by the province. A $500 grocery stipend is also being extended to help restock fridges and pantries.
Jul 30, 2025
Buhl Fire inches closer to Ramsey Bay, evacuation order remains
In the last week, the Buhl Fire has travelled 4.2 km closer to the Ramsey Bay area. It's under a local emergency order and "all residents are required to evacuate as soon as possible," Parks Canada said.
Jul 30, 2025
Beauval wildfire evacuees can head home on Wednesday
Beauval's mandatory evacuation order will be lifted on July 30 after over 700 people were evacuated from the northern village on July 3 because of the Muskeg Fire, which is still not contained.
Jul 29, 2025
Troops arrive in Sask. to help fight fires, Beauval residents could return home soon
It's been nearly a month since 700 people from the community of Beauval were evacuated. Beauval mayor Rick Laliberte hopes people can return home by July 30.
Jul 28, 2025
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.
Jul 24, 2025
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.
Jul 24, 2025
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
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
