(Submitted photo/James Dorward)
Public safety

Junior Prince Albert firefighter reflects on wildfire experience

Jun 27, 2025 | 12:56 PM

While some of his friends were worried about their next homework assignment or how they be spending their Saturday Night, Prince Albert’s Jace Dorward was up north ensuring fires did not spread to precious structures.

The 16-year-old is a junior firefighter with the Buckland Volunteer Fire Department, and as part of the three days he spent in La Ronge and Weyakwin, he was tasked with patrolling hot spots as well as taking action on new fires.

“It was definitely a good experience and I got some new knowledge up there,” he said, adding that his training prepared him well.

(Submitted photo)

When asked if there was anything that stood out for him, Jace noted it was seeing a deserted La Ronge.

“That was definitely different. Absolutely nothing out there except for fire personnel,” he said.

Jace, who joined the Buckland Department last November, acknowledged it was his father who inspired him to join, as he was a firefighter himself.

And now Jace confirms he can see himself becoming a career firefighter, and plans on writing the exam next spring.

“I enjoy it because of the crew first off, the brotherhood and working together to help the community and keep the community safe as well as the action and little adrenaline rush you get while you’re on the call,” he explained.

Jace’s father, James, has been with Prince Albert’s fire department for almost 20 years.

“It’s nice to see him give back to his community. You don’t see a lot of kids that age willing to give up their weekend and help give back to the community, and especially in a community in such dire need of assistance.”

James was also in La Ronge on the front lines, but joked his own situation was much different than his son’s.

“We had some pretty hectic situations where the fire came in and we worked pretty hard there a couple nights, but there was good teamwork amongst all the volunteer departments up there and the fire chief that was controlling everything,” he said.

Noting he also helped with the wildfires in 2015, James said this time felt different and noted the losses in La Ronge of some fairly historical structures. He said it’s important for the public to know there are a lot of things that go on in the background.

“A lot of people don’t see how much time and effort people put in and how much everybody really wants to help.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

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