The home is a total loss. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Arson investigation

Woman and eight children escape house fire at Sandy Bay

Oct 17, 2025 | 3:06 PM

RCMP believe a house fire on Thursday in the Northern Village of Sandy Bay, that forced a woman and her eight children to flee, was deliberately set.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but a family member told paNOW someone set fire to a nearby shed, and the flames spread to the home.

A person driving by was responsible for alerting the family. The home is a total loss but the family’s two young dogs also survived.

The village does not have a fire truck and so bystanders used garden hoses to douse the flames.

The ages of the children range from infant to 14 years old. The mother’s aunt has started a donation drive and is seeking clothing, household items, pampers, wipes, footwear, coats, blankets and financial support. On Friday, the mother Felicia Merasty posted a statement to social media.

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“Material things are replaceable but not me and my babies. We are here, we are alive, we are hurt, we are traumatized but we will never be homeless,” she said, thanking her family for their support.

A photo of the family. (Submitted/ Priscilla Merasty)

The aftermath. (Submitted photo)

Sandy Bay RCMP have received four reports of structure fires in October.

On Oct. 6, a house was destroyed by fire. On Oct.11, an abandoned house was destroyed by fire.

Anyone with information should contact Sandy Bay RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.

Community members believe local youth are responsible.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell