An air tanker spreads retardant on a wildfire. (submitted/SPSA)

By Susan McNeil

Fire season normal

New air tanker on the way as wildfire season begins

Apr 23, 2025 | 1:54 PM

This year’s wildfire season is expected to be fairly normal, said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency in a news conference this morning, but the agency is prepared for the worst with the first of four new air tankers arriving in weeks.

Most of the SPSA’s wildfire suppression equipment is in Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan so the air tanker will make its way to the Prince Albert airbase.

“We look to receive the first of those four air tankers likely next month. It will go into training with our staff and then become operational throughout the summer, making sure that our crews are well versed in using this aircraft as the second, third and fourth come online between now and 2027,” said Steve Roberts, VP of operations for the SPSA.

With northern communities that are located in the boreal forest, evacuations and fire suppression are major concerns every summer.

Last year was the second worst year for Saskatchewan wildfires with multiple communities – all in the north – evacuated as blazes approached.

Public Advisory

Grass fire causing visibility issues on Mosquito First Nation near Highway 4

1h ago

Election

Three quarters of Canadians say misinformation affected the federal election: poll

3h ago

Family Legacy

'It was a dream come true': Martin Smith cherishes time as North Stars head coach

May 02, 2025

The SPSA has been working to suppress the danger to towns and reserves in northern Saskatchewan and is advising all residents to Fire Smart their homes as well.

“There are simple, cost-free tasks such as pruning dead trees and branches in your yard, keeping your yard free of debris, especially materials that are easily combustible, such as dead leaves,” explained the agency’s chief, Marlo Pritchard.

Dry conditions in the forest inevitably lead to higher risks of wildfires. The cause of those fires is generally split 50/50 between nature in the form of lightning and humans.

In the spring, humans are the main cause and conditions are more hazardous with dried grass and leaves an abundant supply of fuel. Reducing risk is important according to the SPSA.

“Our northern communities have been getting wildfire mitigation activities, which is where we modify the forests and grasslands around those communities to reduce the risk of a fire actually entering the community doesn’t mean the fire will start outside of that boundary, but we will have tactical advantages,” Roberts said.

Last year, member nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council raised concerns over equipment and preparation for fires, specifically with crews hired from nearby Indigenous communities.

An extra four Type 2 crews have been created which brings to 84 the number of crews trained and ready to respond. That is over 400 firefighters.

The SPSA’s website that shows the number of active wildfires, evacuations and fire bans has been changed slightly and the public is being encouraged to check it out.

Fire bans have already been put in effect in central Saskatchewan, which saw slightly lower spring runoff than normal.

Bans are in effect in the RMs of Prince Albert, Buckland, Shellbrook, Eagle Creek, Turtle River and Meadow Lake.

Fire restrictions exist in several other municipalities, including Loon Lake and Payton, which means no burning brush piles and crop residue.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social