A firefighter works to protect a home in Beauval as wildfire smoke fills the air. The fire reached the edge of the northern Saskatchewan village, forcing a nearly month-long evacuation. (Warman Fire Rescue via Facebook)

By Jacob Bamhour, CKOM News Staff

wildfire evacuees

Beauval residents return home after nearly 30 days away

Jul 30, 2025 | 9:13 AM

After nearly a month of being displaced by wildfire, residents of Beauval are finally heading home.

The northern Saskatchewan village lifted its evacuation order this week, nearly 30 days after wildfire forced hundreds of people to flee. Mayor Rick Laliberte said the decision to leave was made quickly, but proved to be life-saving.

“The fire came into our community, and we knew we made the right decision at that time,” Laliberte said.

“It was just perfect timing to get people out, and the firefighters here saved our community. It was a beast of a fire.”

The Dore Lake fire travelled 20 km in one day and reached the edge of Beauval. Flames breached the community boundary in multiple areas, but structural firefighters from southern Saskatchewan managed to stop the fire from destroying homes or businesses.

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While no primary residencies were lost, Laliberte said the fire still caused damage. A sports concession stand burned down, along with several cabins, vehicles, ATVs and outbuildings.

Now that the immediate threat has passed, the focus turns to recovery. Evacuees who self-evacuated are returning by vehicle, while others are expected to return Wednesday via bus arranged by the province. A $500 grocery stipend, similar to what was offered to evacuees from La Ronge and Creighton, is also being extended to Beauval residents to help restock fridges and pantries.

But Laliberte warns the community won’t feel normal right away.

“Beauval is a Firebase, we have firefighters here from all over the world, Australians, Mexicans. The Army has moved here. It’s just a beehive of activity,” he said. “Our gymnasiums, our schools, our sports facilities are all commandeered by the SPSA and the fire base.”

Laliberte said the danger hasn’t completely passed. Charred trees are unstable, and many are at risk of falling, potentially onto power lines or roads. Residents are being urged to stay alert.

Laliberte said the experience has highlighted the need for more wildfire resources in northern communities. He’s calling for equipment, sprinkler systems and even the creation of a national “boreal rangers” response team to support forested regions from coast to coast.

“Before your backyard starts burning, let’s knock it down,” he said.

He adds that training northern residents in helicopter operation and nighttime firefighting could improve local emergency response.

For now, the mayor said he’s just grateful.

“We just got to say thank you. And those prayers saved our community. And that rain, as little as it was, it calmed the fire,” he said.

“So pray for rain. That’s what we need. We’ve got to get out of the drought situation.”