skwildfires2025

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) released an update on the wildfire situation in northern Saskatchewan on Wednesday.  

As of 2:00 pm, there are 19 active wildfires in the province. Of those active wildfires, two are categorized, five are not contained, nine are ongoing assessments, and three are listed as protecting values. 

Wildfire evacuees continued to make their way home in some Manitoba communities Tuesday, but there were hurdles.

Tataskweyak Cree Nation lifted its evacuation order Monday evening, then told the community's 2,400 residents Tuesday morning the return was being delayed due to problems with the water system.

"Water tests came back (with) high aluminum. The pipes and reservoir will need to be cleaned and samples taken after the cleaning," said a message posted on the chief and council's Facebook page.

Rain and cooler temperatures brought relief to fire-ravaged Manitoba and Saskatchewan Monday, allowing fire bans to be reduced and more evacuees to go home.

The weather helped fire crews get an upper hand in parts of northern Manitoba to clear the way for some of the 21,000 or more evacuees to start returning home.

David Monias, chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, reposted video of heavy rainfall on social media along with video of small planes leaving Winnipeg with evacuees who were forced out almost three weeks earlier.

While the evacuation order remains in place for Creighton, a Swift Current resident from Creighton has faith that the community will rebuild from wildfires.

This year's wildfire season in Canada is shaping up to be the second-worst on record and federal officials are warning of a dangerous summer in parts of British Columbia.

Officials with several government departments held a technical briefing Thursday in Ottawa with an update on the state of multiple wildfires and its forecast for the coming months.

Saskatchewan's generosity was on full display Thursday for the Day of Caring radiothon in support of wildfire evacuees. 

The Canadian Red Cross reported receiving $643,156.30 by 5:50 p.m., with donations still flowing in and being accepted until Monday, when the final total will be revealed. The federal government's matching portion will then be added to the total.

Nutrien Ag Solutions matched donations up to $100,000 during the morning portion, and by the end of the day, up its support to $300,000.

A Kindersley resident recently completed a trip north to deliver supplies to emergency crews doing their best to deal with the ongoing wildfire situation in northern Saskatchewan — and has plans to go again. 

Following the journey on social media, Selena Edmunds posted back on May 29 that she was headed to a temporary fire base in Choiceland with supplies. The initial post was a callout to the community for help collecting non-perishable food items, clothes, blankets, and amenities like games to keep busy during downtime.

The true meaning of community has been alive and well across the province this past week.

Numerous initiatives have been put into place throughout Saskatchewan to help support wildfire evacuees, including over the weekend in Kindersley, as a clothing drive at the Elks Hall saw overwhelming support. 

A chance to gather and show support for people affected by provincial wildfires, and those going to assist is taking place today in Kindersley.

It's the Saskatchewan Day of Caring radiothon for wildfire evacuees, and here in Kindersley the radio team is spearheading an opportunity for people to show their love and admiration for people going through the current hard times. 

Updated story 11 a.m.

Financial support for the Canadian Red Cross and wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan is pouring in.

By 9:50 a.m., $86,880.20 has been donated during the Saskatchewan Day of Caring radiothon. That mark includes a $25,000 donation from Saskatoon Co-op.

Nutrien Ag has pledged to match up to $100,000 in donations - this hasn't been included in the 9:50 a.m. total update. The federal government's matching donation for the final total isn't included in the $86,880.20 raised either.