Saskatchewan officials say hot summer heightens wildfire risks, ready for season

PRINCE ALBERT – Wildfire season is fast approaching, and officials in Saskatchewan say they’ll be ready.

Steve Roberts, with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, says crews are in the middle of training and have already done some prevention work to protect communities. 

“Heading into the 2026 season, the agency is more prepared than ever,” Roberts said at a news conference Wednesday. “Since last fall, our focus has been on prevention, planning and proactive response measures.”

Last year, Saskatchewan saw one of its worst wildfire seasons.

There were more than 500 fires that torched nearly three million hectares of land, forcing thousands to flee and destroying half of the village of Denare Beach near the Manitoba boundary.

Saskatchewan’s ombudsman criticized the province for being slow to respond to evacuees, and residents of Denare Beach accused the agency of being ill-prepared.

Roberts said the agency has made enhancements to how it handles evacuees and can call in volunteer departments more quickly. 

“We are focusing on reducing fuel in the province’s forest near high-risk communities, through forest thinning, fire guard construction and vegetation maintenance,” he said. 

Equipment, vehicles and aircraft are also ready to go, he added.

“In the event of any delay, the agency will ensure that aircraft from other jurisdictions and our partner agencies will be available as required through our interprovincial agreements,” Roberts said. 

He said recent snow and cooler temperatures in northern areas suggest an improvement from last year, but he added hot and windy weather in the summer could pose challenges.

“Up until June, our fire season is primarily based on snowpack and that’s looking actually favourable, more favourable than last year,” Roberts said. “After that period, it will have a lot to do with ignition sources, including lightning and the current weather conditions.”

On rebuilding Denare Beach, Roberts said all burned areas and leftover hazardous trees have been cleared. New prefabricated homes are to be built later this spring, and some have already arrived, he added. 

Last year, the province announced an independent review into how the agency responded to the fires. Premier Scott Moe also apologized for not sooner visiting the village after it was ravaged in June.

A Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency spokesperson said Wednesday the review is in the final stages with a report to be released in late spring. 

Provincial auditor Tara Clemett is also conducting a review to be made public in June. Her office said in statement Wednesday it will also report on the purchase of new water bombers amid allegations the province vastly overpaid for them.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said last year four water bombers were grounded due to issues involving inspections, repairs and a lack of parts.

The agency spokesperson said the total number of aircraft available this season has yet to be confirmed. 

As for last year’s evacuee complaints, a spokesperson for ombudsman Sharon Pratchler said she’s to release a report on the issue later this month.

Pratchler had said it took days for evacuees to receive basic help, with some forced to sleep in cars without essentials. 

Roberts said people should have emergency plans in place if they’re required to flee.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2026.

— By Jeremy Simes in Regina