skwildfires2025

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. 

In the wake of sharp criticism from Saskatchewan’s Ombudsman about delays and deficiencies in the government’s wildfire evacuation response, Premier Scott Moe announced new supports for displaced residents on Wednesday, while acknowledging the province must do more to help affected families. 

Another community group is going all out to support those forced to flee northern wildfires. This effort comes with a delicious, pre-packaged drive through meal.  

The Muenster Elks are prepping for a drive-thru style rib supper tonight, Wednesday, June 18 with the proceeds going entirely to support evacuees through the Red Cross. The group is working to partner with other agencies to double up the funding provided.  

As wildfires are sweeping through northern Saskatchewan, a few credit unions that are approaching a merger soon are sending out a $150,000 donation to help out those affected. Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy Credit Unions are sending that money to the Canadian Red Cross in an effort to help keep them supporting Saskatchewan residents.

Celina Philpot, the CEO of Conexus Credit Union, talks about why they wanted to show that support.

About 7,000 people in and around La Ronge, Sask., will be allowed to return home on Thursday after the lifting of a wildfire evacuation order, the director of the local emergency operation centre said Tuesday.

Lyle Hannan said residents of La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band can start going home on Thursday at 8 a.m.

Those deemed to work in essential services will be allowed to return sooner, he said.

Hannan said rain in the last few days helped crews contain the wildfire near the community.

With 24 wildfires currently burning across Saskatchewan and 18 communities evacuated, including La Ronge, Air Ronge, Denare Beach, and Creighton, Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler issued an urgent public call to the provincial government to address widespread complaints from evacuees who say they are being left without food, shelter, or timely communication. 

With 24 wildfires currently burning across Saskatchewan and 18 communities evacuated, including La Ronge, Air Ronge, Denare Beach, and Creighton, Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler issued an urgent public call to the provincial government to address widespread complaints from evacuees who say they are being left without food, shelter, or timely communication. 

A stroke of luck for the firefighters fighting against the wildfires up north over the weekend, as a bit of rain fell over the area. Those fires have been raging in more northern areas over the last month, with the drier conditions helping to spread the blaze.

On Sunday's public safety briefing, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Association's Executive Director of Land Operations, Bryan Chartrand, talked about what some areas received.

"24 millimetres of rain was reported in the community of La Ronge."

Manitoba is urging tourists to reconsider visiting as it works to find shelter for a flood of wildfire evacuees now reaching 21,000.

“This is one of the largest evacuations in our province’s history,” Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday.

“The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba."

Kindersley, Sask. – As wildfires continue to rage across northern Saskatchewan, the Town of Kindersley has opened its doors and hearts to more than 275 evacuees, welcoming families in crisis with generosity, compassion and a firm Prairie handshake.

Dozens of displaced residents are now calling hotels in Kindersley their temporary home, including 80 Filipino evacuees staying at the Kindersley Inn. On Wednesday, volunteers from The Kitchen Corner served warm Filipino meals to those families, bringing a taste of home and a message of hope.