The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is winding down its Emergency Operations Centre due to a decreased threat of wildfires. (La Ronge Regional Fire Department/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

fire update

Rainfall limiting intensity and growth of northern wildfires

Aug 6, 2025 | 5:01 PM

Recent rainfall on the Buhl fire has helped to keep its intensity low and growth minimal.

That’s according to provincial wildfire update released on Aug. 6, which stated as of Tuesday evening the pre-evacuation alert for Prince Albert National Park, including the Waskesiu Lake townsite, has been lifted.

“This decision was taken in light of the significant progress towards containment of the Buhl Wildfire within the national park, alongside more favourable weather conditions and a decrease in fire behaviour,” the release stated.

“Although recent rainfall is welcome, the Buhl Wildfire is still classified as out of control and the situation could change quickly. Public safety is a top priority for Parks Canada, and an evacuation alert or order could still be issued if deemed necessary by fire management experts.”

The Buhl fire is currently 95,449 hectares in size and it is approximately one kilometer from Ramsey Bay, 12 km from Montreal Lake and 31 km from Waskesiu. Travelers on Highway 2 North of Waskesiu may see fire activity from the road and visibility may be reduced due to smoke.

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They may also witness Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) fire crews, helicopters, and heavy machinery working adjacent to the roadway.

The local emergency and mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for the Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay and Ramsey Bay Campground.

This week the SPSA continued to maintain and expand water access to action fire activity along the southeastern perimeter of the wildfire, as well as extinguish hotspots in priority areas, including near Ramsey Bay and the northeast corner of Prince Albert National Park.

Wildfire personnel have been assessing and removing dangerous trees and directing suppression tactics along the eastern and southeastern fire perimeters. Aircraft have been bucketing in uncontained areas to limit fire spread, as well as work continues on structural protection based on needs for the community of Ramsey Bay, including a high-volume sprinkler system.

Leadership with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) also announced on Wednesday its intention to begin standing down due to a decrease in the wildfire threat. A notice stated there has been minimal activity on the Pisew, Shoe, Highway and Pitch fires.

“Thanks to favourable weather conditions, stable fire behaviour, and the tireless efforts of firefighting crews, equipment operators, logistic teams and local leadership, the wildfire situation has significantly improved,” the notice adds.

“Although the EOC is standing down at this time, we will continue to monitor the situation closely. Should conditions change or new risks emerge, the EOC can be reactivated quickly to respond.”

The Kemp fire remains about 23 kms from Grandmother’s Bay, but there has been no recent movement towards the community.

There are currently 81 active wildfires in Saskatchewan with 14 not contained. There has been 448 so far this year compared to a five-year average of 445.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com