(Nipawin Fire/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Fires in Nipawin, James Smith

Weekend house fires in Nipawin, James Smith Cree Nation

Dec 15, 2025 | 9:47 AM

Local fire crews responded to a pair of house fires this weekend.

The first happened late Friday night in Nipawin.

Crews were called to a house fire on the east side of town, and when they arrived, the rear deck was fully engulfed in flames, and the fire was spreading to the roof.

The Nipawin Fire Department (NFD) said firefighters had to access the attic via the roof to chase hot spots, with the cold temperatures hindering their efforts.

“Everything froze: SCBA parts, hoses, nozzles, etc.,” a NFD news release said.

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Even the firefighters’ gloves froze solid, and the crews were thankful there was a warm shop next door in which they could warm up equipment and themselves.

There were no injuries and, amazingly, firefighters were able to save the presents from under the Christmas tree.

Nineteen firefighters fought the blaze, which was the department’s record-extending 249th of the year.

The following morning, the Kinistino Fire Department responded to a blaze at James Smith Cree Nation.

The house was showing heavy smoke from the attic by the time fire crews arrived.

Firefighters made an offensive attack on the roof, and there was extensive damage done to the house.

(Kinistino Fire Department/Facebook)

However, crews were able to contain the fire to the roof and bathroom on the main level.

The house was vacant at the time of the fire.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com