Saskatchewan’s wildfire crisis continues to escalate this week, with 52 active fires burning across the province as of July 21, including 13 that remain uncontained.
Some of the largest and most aggressive wildfires of the season are still threatening northern communities, despite many weeks of intensive, risky firefighting efforts and intermittent precipitation.
Among the most concerning fires:
- The SHOE fire near Lower Fishing Lake has burned over 550,000 hectares and continues to threaten Piprell Lake, Candle Lake, and Narrow Hills Provincial Park.
- The PISEW fire west of La Ronge has burned nearly 200,000 hectares, prompting bridge closures and ongoing evacuations.
- The MUSKEG fire north of La Plonge and Beauval has burned 221,000 hectares, forcing evacuations from Beauval, Pinehouse, Île-à-la-Crosse, and other nearby communities.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says firefighters remain focused on protecting critical infrastructure—including highways, utilities and key structures—while suppressing hotspots and monitoring areas of concern.
Evacuations remain extensive:
- Approximately 700 residents have been evacuated from Beauval
- 694 from Canoe Lake/Canoe Narrows
- 500 from Patuanak/English River First Nation
Additional evacuations continue from Pinehouse, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, La Plonge Indian Reserve, Jans Bay, Île-à-la-Crosse, and Lac La Plonge.
While some rainfall has occurred, it has not been enough to significantly reduce fire activity. Forecast conditions continue to challenge crews, with warm temperatures, gusty winds, and occasional lightning keeping the fire risk high. Officials have affirmed that lightning strikes continue to ignite new blazes, along with risks from other sources.
Evacuees are being supported by a coordinated effort involving the SPSA, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, the Canadian Red Cross, and host communities across Saskatchewan.
Moose Jaw is one of the communities serving as a temporary refuge, with evacuees from the Beauval area already staying in local hotels and at least 30 more expected. In coordination with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the City is offering evacuees free access to pools, public transit, and the Yara Centre, while participating in daily coordination with health authorities. The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to contribute donations or services to support those affected.
In addition to the immediate threat to communities, several fires have impacted key highways and parklands — including sections of Prince Albert National Park, which remains closed in some areas due to fire encroachment.
Moose Jaw-area volunteers remain involved in firefighting efforts, while major reinforcements have been dispatched internationally, including wildland firefighters from Australia and Mexico. Aid has also come from across Canada and multiple U.S. states, including 100 personnel and two water bombers from Quebec, firefighters from Nova Scotia, and more. The SPSA has expressed gratitude for the widespread support helping to manage the crisis.
Saskatchewan residents can monitor current wildfire conditions, active evacuations, and fire bans at saskpublicsafety.ca.