Saskatchewan’s wildfire response continues to draw support from across the country and around the world, as the province grapples with what officials are calling an unprecedented fire season.
As of Tuesday morning, there were 50 active wildfires burning across Saskatchewan, including 12 that remain uncontained and 18 under assessment. Volunteers from Moose Jaw and area continue to be an active part of the ongoing battle.
To bolster local firefighting efforts, 40 wildland firefighters from Australia have now arrived, with another 40 from Mexico expected later this week. That international aid follows assistance from Quebec last week, which sent 100 wildfire personnel and two CL-415 water bombers.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) noted that this year’s response has included contributions from nearly every region of Canada and multiple U.S. states.
Aircraft support and personnel have come from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Yukon, Quebec, and U.S. jurisdictions including Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, and the United States Forest Service.
“Saskatchewan is grateful to everyone who has helped with the unprecedented wildfire season,” said SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts.
“Thank you to everyone local and abroad for the immense support in the air and on the ground.”
Nine communities remain under evacuation orders as fires continue to affect the province’s northern regions. Evacuees are directed to register through the Sask Evac Web Application and call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for assistance. Those receiving Canadian Red Cross support can call 1-800-863-6582.
A fire ban remains in place for areas north of the provincial forest boundary up to the Churchill River, including all provincial parks and recreation sites within that zone.
More information, fire maps, evacuation details and prevention tips are available at saskpublicsafety.ca.