Despite repeated wildfire seasons, preparedness gap persists in Saskatchewan

May 4, 2026 | 5:31 PM

According to a new survey, Saskatchewan residents are heading into another wildfire season with high awareness of smoke risks, but experts say that awareness is not consistently translating into preparedness at the household level.

The Angus Reid survey, commissioned by First Onsite Property Restoration, which has responded to some of the largest catastrophes in the country, found 74 per cent of respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are concerned about wildfire smoke, placing the region among the highest in Canada for that risk.

The findings come after multiple significant wildfire seasons in northern Saskatchewan in recent years, and nearly a decade after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, which forced widespread evacuations and reshaped emergency response planning across Western Canada.

Despite that experience, experts say readiness gaps remain when it comes to acting on evacuation orders and preparing in advance.

Jim Mandeville, senior vice-president of large loss at First Onsite, said many residents understand the risk but still struggle to act quickly when emergencies unfold.

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“People are now acknowledging that it could happen,” he said. “But until it impacts your life or someone you know, it’s hard to relate.”

He said evacuation preparedness remains one of the weakest points in disaster planning.

“When you are told to evacuate, it’s time to go,” he said. “It’s not time to start packing and thinking about going.”

Emergency management agencies across Canada have looked at expanding alert systems and evacuation protocols in recent years. However, officials have also emphasized that effective response depends heavily on individual preparedness, including having supplies ready and knowing evacuation routes in advance.

The survey also highlights broader regional differences in risk perception. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 56 per cent of respondents said they are concerned about climate change overall, compared with a national average of 72 per cent.

Even so, wildfire smoke remains one of the most widely recognized hazards nationally, with 70 per cent of Canadians reporting concern.

The survey also notes Canada recorded $2.4 billion in insured catastrophe losses in 2025, down from a record $9.4 billion the previous year, though still ranking among the costliest years on record.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Despite repeated wildfire seasons, preparedness gap persists in Saskatchewan

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