Several southeast firefighters have been deployed to help battle the growing wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
Carlyle Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Rob Klassan said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) put out a provincewide request for assistance as fires continue to burn near northern communities.
“The SPSA had requested a truck and a couple of firefighters, so we sent the same truck we had sent back in 2015 to help up at La Ronge,” Klassan said. “That unit is a four-wheel-drive truck with a tank and pump on it, so it is well suited for these kinds of remote and rugged conditions.”
Carlyle sent two members along with the wildland unit. Redvers Fire and Rescue also sent two members and a tanker.
Klassan said while fires in the north are much larger and more complex than those typically fought in the southeast, the support is still valuable.
“With the number and size of the fires, it is important that they get as much equipment and manpower on the ground as possible to protect homes and communities,” he said. “Without that extra help, it would be very difficult for the SPSA to handle it all on their own.”
All Carlyle firefighters are trained in wildland firefighting. Though they may not regularly face forest fires like those currently burning up north, their training prepares them for many aspects of the job.
“What our guys are doing is mostly value protection. They might be stationed in a community, watching for hotspots and putting them out before they flare up,” Klassan said. “Today they were working on a highway, keeping it open by knocking down flames in the ditch and applying gel or foam to power poles to stop them from burning.”
The decision to send the truck and firefighters required approval from both the RM and town councils, which Klassan said was granted without hesitation.
“We’ve had people reach out and thank us, especially those who have cabins or family in the affected areas. They understand the need and are proud to see us stepping up.”
While it is too soon to say how long the fires will continue to burn, Klassan said the department remains ready to help.
“This is an evolving situation. Right now, it doesn’t look to be getting any better, so hopefully they can get a handle on it soon. But if they need more help, we’re here.”
Klassan said mutual aid and cooperation are deeply ingrained in the firefighting world.
“The emergency services sector is like a big family. If someone asks for help and we’re able to provide it, we just do it. That’s part of what it means to be in this line of work.”
Redvers Fire and Rescue shared on Facebook that they’ve deployed a tanker truck and two team members to assist with the fires.
“RFR would like to extend a heartfelt acknowledgment to all the firefighters and supporting agencies engaged in combating the wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” their post read. “Your tireless efforts and commitment to safeguarding lives, properties, and the environment are truly commendable. Please stay safe friends.”
They also offered support to evacuees, writing, “To the many thousands of individuals who have been evacuated and displaced due to the fires, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”