New Sask wildfire MOU signed as active fires continue to burn

A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) to strengthen their commitment to wildfire preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.

The MOU, signed last week, formalizes a framework for First Nations leadership and knowledge to help inform wildfire planning and strategy.

“First Nations have generations of knowledge about our lands, our forests, and the communities we are working to protect,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.

“That knowledge needs to be part of wildfire planning from the beginning – not only when an emergency is already underway.”

The agreement creates a more structured, collaborative approach, according to the province, including regular engagement between the SPSA, PAGC, and MLTC leadership before and after each wildfire season, as well as ongoing work through a First Nations Wildfire Strategy Working Group.

The agreement follows a 2025 review of Saskatchewan’s wildfire strategy, which included 11 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“This agreement gives us a stronger way to work together,” said Hardlotte.

“We can identify gaps, improve preparedness, and make decisions that better protect our people, our communities, and our lands,” he said.

Wildfires continues to blaze across the country, with the federal government reporting 582 active wildfires in Canada as of August 18, with 31 classified as out of control and receiving a full response.

In Saskatchewan, the province reports 14 active wildfires as of August 23, with a total this year of 331. Despite significant fires and evacuations this summer, officials said overall 2026 wildfire activity remains below the five-year national average.

The five year average in Saskatchewan is 465 wildfires per year.

“Wildfires continue to present significant challenges for communities across Saskatchewan,” said SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard.

“This agreement reflects our commitments to working alongside First Nations leadership to strengthen wildfire preparedness, improve response efforts, and support long-term community resilience,” said Pritchard.

The MOU also includes federal agencies Indigenous Services Canada and the Canadian Forest Service, who will participate in the discussions.

Northern Saskatchewan has seen significant wildfire activity in 2026, including the Lobstick wildfire near Shellbrook, which reached about 13,000 hectares, and the Budd wildfire near La Ronge, which reached over 12,000 hectares.

“Our communities have experienced firsthand the impacts of wildfires,” said MLTC Chief Jeremy Norman.

“By strengthening our partnership with the SPSA, we are taking an important step toward improving preparedness, enhancing communications, and building resilience for future wildfire seasons.”