A social media user shared this photo of the remnants of the Gem Lake campground in the Narrow Hills. (submitted)

By Susan McNeil

Park closed

Province closes Narrow Hills Provincial Park following wildfire damage

May 14, 2025 | 3:34 PM

Damage from a wildfire to the campgrounds at Gem Lakes and Lost Echo Lake have led to their closure for the season.

Both lakes are in the Narrow Hills, northeast of Prince Albert and received serious damage from the Shoe Fire, which is still burning out of control and has reached 16,000 hectares (38,000 acres).

The fire was sparked on May 6 by human activity and was just at the start of camping season. Comments on social media from people who use Gem Lake campground said that the entire site has burned.

Just south of the Shoe Fire is the Camp Fire, which is also out of control and just over 30,000 hectares (72,000 acres). Its cause is also attributed to human activity and started the day before the Shoe Fire.

According to the province, all roads into Narrow Hills Provincial Park are closed.

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As of May 14, just before noon, Highway 106, also known as the Hanson Lake Road, was closed once again.

Travellers trying to get to Creighton or Flin Flon will have to find an alternate route.

Like Highway 106, other roads are being closed depending on the conditions. Highway 913 is closed as well.

Drivers can check the Highway Hotline for the most recent highway changes and check our Wildfire page for full coverage.

Almost all of central Saskatchewan, parts of the Northern Administrative District and southeastern Saskatchewan have fire bans in place.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social