Wildfire that forced northern Saskatchewan residents out calmer, but still raging

Advertisement

Advertise with us

SHELLBROOK -

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

SHELLBROOK –

Mother Nature has calmed the flames of a wildfire that’s forced out some residents of a northern Saskatchewan community.

Christine Strube, the reeve of the Rural Municipality of Shellbrook No. 493, says the wildfire was still burning across roughly 19,000 hectares of forest, located south of the municipality’s border, as of Sunday afternoon.

The Lobstick wildfire burns south of Shellbrook, Sask. in this Saturday, May 30, 2026 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (Mandatory Credit)
The Lobstick wildfire burns south of Shellbrook, Sask. in this Saturday, May 30, 2026 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (Mandatory Credit)

But Strube says humid weather reduced billowing smoke on Sunday and helped crews in their fight against the blaze.

The smoke was making it difficult earlier for crews to operate water bombers.

Residents across 70 homes in the southern part of the Rural Municipality of Shellbrook were ordered out Friday night and it’s unclear when they’ll be able to return.

Strube says just before the wildfire forced residents out, Shellbrook had been working on fixing 20 roads in the community that washed out after a flood.

“We were just working on back roads for farmers to get into their fields, to get their crops, when the fire came into play,” she said Sunday.

“A fire is never convenient, but the community spirit is alive and strong.”

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is warning that daytime highs near 30 and overnight lows in the mid to high teens will continue in northern parts of the province until Tuesday. It also says smoke is causing, or is expected to cause, poor air quality and reduced visibility.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2026.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Local

LOAD LOCAL ARTICLES