There are currently 14 active wildfires burning in the province. (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

Wildfire update

Wildfire risk in northern Sask. remains extreme, little rain in forecast

May 20, 2025 | 2:30 PM

Efforts to contain fires burning in the northern boreal forest continue and a pre-evacuation alert remains in effect for residents of Candle Lake.

The Camp and Shoe fires are still the two wildfires requiring the most attention in the province according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). On its ‘Wildfires of Note’ daily bulletin, the SPSA listed the Shoe Fire around Lower Fishing Lake as uncontained and 20,000 hectares in size. The fire, which started May 7, has caused significant damage to some campgrounds in Narrow Hills Provincial Park, and all highways in the area are currently closed.

With only trace amounts of precipitation the wildfire risk in the area remains extreme. Crews are reported to be working to extinguish hotspots at the rear of the fire, preparing in case the winds change.

“Crews on the west flank near Piprell Lake will continue to protect the guard preventing the fire from approaching the lake. Crews will be used to cut pads along the southwest flank where there is no dozer access due to soft ground, creating accessibility to the uncontained area,” the bulletin read.

The Camp fire, north of Snowden, is 32,000 hectares and, like the Shoe fire, is being actioned with Type 1 and Type 2 crews, heavy equipment, air tankers with water and fire gels, helicopters and an Emergency Response Team. Nearby communities include Choiceland, Garrick and Smeaton.

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Meanwhile, a pre-evacuation alert issued on May 15 for the Resort Village of Candle Lake remains in effect.

Candle Lake Fire Chief Jim Arnold said crews continue to make progress in trying to contain the fires burning towards the east, but due to the potential for high winds coming out of the east Tuesday, the risk to the community remains high. In addition, Candle Lake has received no rain and there is no significant rain in the forecast. On Tuesday, Environment and Climate Change Canada showed a 60 per cent chance of showers for Candle Lake, and a 30 per cent chance on Wednesday, but temperatures were expected to rise to 25 C by the weekend.

Arnold said additional crews were expected to arrive to the area and residents can expect to see more smoke on Highway 120, which provides access to Candle Lake. The resort village also issued a reminder that fireworks and outdoor fires of any kind are not permitted with the exception of CSA approved propane stoves, barbecues, pellet grills, and outdoor propane fire pits for the purposes of cooking only.

On Tuesday, the SPSA reported 14 active wildfires burning in the province; only four of those fires are contained. Year to date, there have been 170 wildfires which is well above the five-year average of 112.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com