Four members of the Muskoday Volunteer Fire Department monitor the fire as it tore through James Smith Cree Nation on May 4, 2025. (Muskoday Volunteer Fire Department/Facebook)

By Logan Lehmann

Wildfire response

James Smith Chief calls on governments for help, meetings following wildfire

May 7, 2025 | 1:06 PM

The Chief of James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) is calling on the provincial and federal governments following a devastating wildfire that destroyed four homes on the reserve this past weekend.

In a post to social media, Chief Kirby Constant said he has formally reached out to both levels of government to request an urgent and coordinated response to the wildfire, calling for immediate action and a meeting to discuss some pressing issues in the community.

“I want to take a moment to update our members following the devastating fires this past weekend that destroyed four homes in our community,” read the post. “These losses have deeply impacted us, especially the families who have been displaced. Our thoughts remain with them, and we continue to offer support as they navigate this difficult time.”

Among those pressing issues include:

• Rebuilding the homes that were lost and providing support for the affected families
• Establishing a proactive emergency preparedness and fire response plan
• Ensuring that JSCN receives equitable access to emergency services and resources

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“We need the province and Canada to assist, coordinate with us, and commit to solutions that protect our people and homes,” continued the post.

Constant added the community also purchased two trucks, which will be modified to equip fire caddies to strengthen local fire response and give the reserve greater capacity to protect homes and families.

“Our leadership is committed to moving forward with strength and urgency. We will keep you informed and remain focused on solutions that protect the members of James Smith Cree Nation.”

The fire, dubbed 25PA-JSIR01, grew to over 100 hectares in size and was sparked on Friday evening by human activity, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). By late Sunday, the fire was listed as contained.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

On Bluesky: @loganlehmann.bsky.social