(Humboldt Fire Department/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Humboldt Fire Department

Humboldt fire chief discusses crew deployment to wildfire areas

Jun 3, 2025 | 5:09 PM

The Humboldt Fire Department has its members scattered across northern Saskatchewan, assisting in the battle against raging wildfires.

Fire Chief Mike Kwasnica told northeastNOW the department was asked by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) if they could supply a pumper truck and four firefighters to help in the Weyakwin area.

“The crew was in Weyakwin until [Monday] afternoon when they were called to head to La Ronge,” Kwasnica said. “There, they provided structural protection for the water treatment plant.”

On Tuesday morning, the crews were re-deployed to Sucker River for the day – a community that lost eleven homes and two others that were under construction, according to Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. The crew then headed back to La Ronge, where on Tuesday afternoon, the wildfire had also turned back on the community.

Kwasnica said in an extreme wildfire season such as this, it’s vital for departments to help wherever they can.

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“It’s extremely important,” said Kwasnica. “These communities do not have the capacity to fight this fire on their own.”

Humboldt Shoppers Drug Mart helped equip the firefighters with bottled water and other items for their deployment. Kwasnica said their support was essential, helping to keep fire crews hydrated and fed to allow them to stay healthy and able to work longer.

Kwasnica said he agrees with Candle Lake Fire Chief Jim Arnold’s assertion that it’s urgent people support their local volunteer fire departments.

“Often these fire departments raise money to buy equipment which is essential during times like this,” explained Kwasnica. “Volunteer fire [departments] make up the majority of our departments in the province and it is only during emergencies…when they are brought to the attention of our people.”

He said it shouldn’t take a disaster for people to see and appreciate the importance of volunteer firefighters, and how valuable they are to communities.

Extremely dry conditions are the norm across most of the province, and Kwasnica urged people to obey all fire bans.

“ATVs and UTVs are one of the greatest risks for starting fires in a tinder dry forest,” he said. “These vehicles are fun but do give off lots of sparks that can start a fire long after you are gone from that area.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com