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As wildfires continue to burn across northern Saskatchewan, residents stepped up in a big way during Thursday’s Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Wildfire Relief.
Over the course of 12 hours, Rawlco Radio’s six stations in Saskatoon and Regina shared stories from evacuees, front-line workers and impacted communities, encouraging listeners to support the Canadian Red Cross.
By the end of the broadcast, Saskatchewan had raised $643,156 to support those displaced and the communities hardest hit. That includes a $300,000 donation from Nutrien. Every dollar will be matched by the federal government.
An additional $37,189 was raised over the weekend while the donation link remained open, bringing the new total to $680,345.
“Saskatchewan is an amazing province filled with generous people,” said Pam Leyland, president of Rawlco Radio.
“The Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Wildfire Relief was incredible and showcased what we do best, pull together. We will continue to support our neighbours affected by the wildfires here at home.”
The fundraising effort comes as nearly 7,000 residents of La Ronge, Air Ronge and surrounding areas are being allowed to return home after more than a week of displacement. Thanks to recent rain and added firefighting resources, officials say the fire threatening the area is now under control. To date, Saskatchewan faces 23 active wildfires and six remain uncontained.
“Everyone goes out and does more than their part in supporting one another when we are faced with unimaginable challenges in our northern communities,” said Premier Scott Moe on The Evan Bray show Thursday. “Things are in a better place now, in respect to the fires we have, but it isn’t that many days ago that these fires were virtually unstoppable.”
Read more:
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Sarah Mills: Help is needed for wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan
Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk said there is a mix of emotions in the air on Wednesday as people return home, including excitement and sorrow.
“The community of Air Ronge itself has been so fortunate that we have not seen any human loss and no structural loss. I can’t say that about our neighbouring communities that are directly adjacent to us, but for our Air Ronge residents, you’re relatively coming home to what you remember as home. You’re going to be driving through some really, really difficult areas that are going to be tough to see. There has been a lot of loss around the forest, and it just looks different when you’re going to be re-entering the community.”
Health services are also returning to the north. La Ronge’s emergency department opens at 3 p.m. on Thursday after being shut down during the wildfire evacuation. Crews were in the building earlier this week checking equipment, restocking supplies and cleaning the facility from top to bottom. Inpatient care, home care and ambulance services are expected to be available this weekend, with mental health supports and long-term care returning on Monday.
Ambulances line up at Elk Ridge, on their way to La Ronge to help evacuate patients on June 3, 2025. (Submitted)
TODAY IN PRINCE ALBERT: Wildfire evacuees from La Ronge are packing up to go home from the Days Inn @CKOMNews @CJMENews pic.twitter.com/jmuD2yaMU6
— Mia Holowaychuk (@miaholoway) June 12, 2025
On Wednesday, Premier Scott Moe announced that every evacuee aged 18 and over will receive a $500 government payout, amid mounting criticism of the province’s evacuation response.
Saskatchewan Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod told the Evan Bray Show on Thursday they are feeling quite encouraged in the wildfire fight.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of progress. There’s a noticeable reduction in the fire intensity. All of the fires got at least some rain last weekend, and we expect more rain in the days ahead, which is helpful. It really gives our firefighters and our front-line crews the opportunity to attack those fires and really knock them down.”
Listen to Tim McLeod on the Evan Bray Show
One of Saskatchewan’s most experienced firefighters is recovering in Saskatoon hospital after suffering a collapsed lung while battling wildfires near Pelican Narrows.
“This is my seventh collapsed lung,” said Brady Highway, a technical specialist with more than 30 years of experience. “I woke up that morning just really concerned that this was actually happening again. I was in denial and kept on working, hoping it would go away.”
Highway said the 2025 wildfire season is unlike anything he’s seen. Despite his injuries, he plans to return to the front lines once he’s cleared by doctors.
Brady Highway, a veteran firefighter and technical specialist, says protecting Saskatchewan communities is more than a job, it’s a responsibility. “It’s an obligation that I hold to the land, to the place, to the livelihoods, and to the people,” he said on air with Evan Bray during the Saskatchewan Day of Caring. (Facebook)
So far this year, Saskatchewan has seen 259 wildfires. That’s up from 174 at this time last year and well above the five-year average of 147. At least 290 “values” such as homes and cabins have been confirmed lost, but officials believe the actual number is closer to 400.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on June 16, 2025 to include donations from the weekend following the Day of Caring.
Listen to stories from evacuees and front-line workers
This Thursday, June 12, Rawlco Radio is hosting the #SKDayOfCaring for Wildfire Relief.
Every dollar goes to @redcrosscanada to support evacuees and help communities recover.
#SaskWildfires2025 #Saskatchewan pic.twitter.com/SP7KR4T4oJ
— 650 CKOM (@CKOMNews) June 11, 2025
