An aerial view of the Buhl fire burning in the northeast corner of Prince Albert National Park. (Submitted photo/Parks Canada)

By paNOW Staff

Waskesiu on pre-evac alert

Other than smoke, wildfire poses ‘no immediate public safety risk’ in P.A. National Park

Jul 14, 2025 | 5:42 PM

Firefighting crews and equipment from both Parks Canada and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) are fighting the Buhl wildfire burning near Prince Albert National Park (PANP).

The blaze, which started June 29, was being actively managed until it spread on Saturday and entered the northeast corner of PANP. It is about 20 kilometres from the resort subdivision of Ramsey Bay and about 35 kilometres away from the townsite of Waskesiu.

The national park has its own firefighters, contracted equipment and incident command team. They’re working in tandem with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to fight the blaze since it straddles the national park and the provincial forest.

Right now, there are at least three helicopters and two ground crews from Parks Canada, with more resources on the way. That doesn’t include what the SPSA has brought in to help control the fire that has so far charred more than 35,000 hectares (just over 86,486 acres).

“The weather is continuing to be hot and dry without any real rain in the forecast, but the winds are going to decrease so the weather is going to stabilize a little bit and winds are going to blow for the south,” Incident Commander for Parks Canada Gregg Walker said. “So, for the community south of this fire, we don’t expect any spread in the next day or so.”

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However, the fire is uncontained in some places and has the potential to spread in different directions over the coming days. That’s why a Wildfire Emergency Advisory Alert was issued by Parks Canada on Sunday.

“Essentially, our message is that one good portion of the park, the northern part of the park, is entirely closed right now because of its proximity to the wildfire and the public safety risk that poses. Number two, is that we’re worrying about air quality which is a very real impact on people’s health and well-being.”

The emergency alert suggested if visitors and residents to the national park are able to leave, they should do so; however there is no evacuation order in effect.

“We’re at the pre-alert stage right now,” Walker said.

“We’re trying to say to people, there is no immediate public safety risk. If there was, we would be evacuating and we’re not. On the other hand, the fire is close enough to Waskesiu and adjacent communities that we think it’s worth people being prepared to leave if we do evacuate.”

Heavy smoke from the Buhl fire burning near Waskesiu is causing air quality issues in the area. (submitted photo/Parks Canada)

Some cabin owners are packing their bags and heading home according to the Waskesiu Community Council chair.

Jim Kerby said as of Monday afternoon, there are still lots of people in town, but some with health concerns or elderly residents and visitors have made the decision to leave.

“We’re trying to encourage everyone to sign up for the SaskAlert app,” he said. “Just in case you have to move quickly, think about how you can Fire Smart your own yards and cottage.”

No open fires are permitted in in the national park, including in camp kitchen shelters. Propane and gas appliances, and liquid fuel stoves are permitted.

PANP is accepting reservation cancellations during the current pre-evacuation alert with waived cancellation fees. Those wanting to cancel are asked to call the Visitor Centre at 1-306-663-4522.

-With files from CKOM

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panews@pattisonmedia.com