Melfort firefighters are off to La Ronge to help protect structures. (Submitted/Leonard Whitney)
Lending a helping hand

Fire crews from Melfort the latest to join fight against northern wildfires

Jun 3, 2025 | 11:36 AM

More local fire departments are sending help to fight wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.

The Melfort Fire Department is the latest to send help to battle the blaze that threatens the La Ronge area.

Fire Chief Leonard Whitney told northeastNOW they are able to lend a helping hand.

“We sent an engine and a four-person strike crew up north to La Ronge to help protect structures up in that area of the province,” Whitney said.

The chief said the department wanted to make sure they had sufficient coverage for Melfort and area before committing to sending equipment and personnel to La Ronge.

“Once we established that we were able to send members, SPSA (Saskatchewan Public Service Agency) did reach out, requesting a crew to be sent north, so we accommodated that request.”

Whitney said they would love to send more resources to help, but they need to ensure the local areas are protected. The dry conditions in northern Saskatchewan are also prevalent in the Melfort region, and Whitney said they’ve had a record number of fire calls in their coverage area.

The Humboldt Fire Department has also sent fire crews and equipment to battle the blaze in La Ronge, and they spent yesterday protecting local structures.

(Humboldt Fire/Facebook)

Wakaw and Cudworth firefighters are battling the Ditch02 fire that threatens Weyakwin. They have been there for nearly a week.

(Wakaw/Hoodoo Fire and Rescue/Facebook)

Crews from the Nipawin Fire Department have been busy fighting a blaze north of Love since late last week.

(Nipawin Fire/Facebook)

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

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