This image from the Manitoba government shows wildfires burning near Sherridon, Manitoba, Canada, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Wildfires continue to spread across northern Saskatchewan, forcing many people to leave their homes. As of June 1, 20 communities face active evacuations because of the fires.
Fires Growing Larger
Two communities, Timber Bay and Molanosa, recently added to the evacuation list, are near a fire called the Ditch Fire. This fire has grown from 10,000 hectares to much bigger in size.
Officials ask people from Timber Lake to travel over 400 kilometers to Regina for safety and shelter. Steve Roberts, a top official in the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), said this long trip is necessary because local housing options are full across the province.
“We would prefer to keep families together nearby, but all spaces are full from the north down to Weyburn,” Roberts said. Some people from Canoe Lake even had to move to Alberta because of the fires.
Thousands Evacuated
About 8,000 residents have left their homes because fires are either near their communities or blocking escape routes. The Club Fire threatens the towns of Creighton and Denare Beach, as well as Flin Flon city just across the border in Manitoba. This fire covers around 25,000 hectares and is expected to grow.
Roberts said, “This fire is very large on both sides of the border, and the size will increase with new activity overnight.”
The Shoe Fire is the biggest in the province, growing from 216,000 hectares on May 29 to 305,000 hectares now. Because of these fires, the government has banned all open fires in the northern parts of Saskatchewan.
Fighting the Fires
Right now, 15 wildfires burn in the province, down from 17 last week. Firefighters have put out some smaller fires, but others like the Point Fire and Pelican Fire have joined together, which keeps the total number down.
So far, wildfires have destroyed over 80 buildings and other structures.
Officials work hard to protect Candle Lake, a resort village that had to prepare for evacuation. Bulldozers are clearing land near Highway 120 to create a firebreak. This barrier could stop fires from reaching the community.
Help From Across North America
Saskatchewan has called in firefighters and equipment from across Canada and the U.S. Teams have arrived from places like Quebec, Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and Arizona to help battle the flames.
This year has seen 214 wildfires, far above the usual average of 129 fires for this time.
Roberts hopes the number of evacuees will stay steady. Some places, such as Canoe Lake, are already seeing residents return as conditions improve.
