Ditch 2 Wildfire starter receives six year sentence

Noting the multiple communities impacted and evacuated as a result of the fire, Judge Lubyk described Halkett’s actions as reckless.

“This was a grave offense,”he said.

A view of the Ditch 2 wildfire. (Image Credit: File photo/ paNOW Staff)

With remand credit, Halkett has about four years and eight months left to serve and Judge Lubyk made a recommendation Halkett be allowed to serve a portion of his sentence at a healing lodge. The decision however ultimately rests with Correctional Service Canada.

While in custody, Halkett has worked on his management issues and is close to completing his Grade 12 diploma. Judge Lubyk said Mr. Halkett still has rehabilitative potential.

Lubyk stated on the day of the fire, it was warm and windy, and with the risks for wildfires very high, people in the area were advised to be cautious.

“Mr. Halkett failed in that regard.”

Among the victim impact statements read for the court was the one provided by the Waskesiu and District Chamber of Commerce, which noted a loss in business revenue totalling nearly $400,000. They added the closure of sections of the national park caused emotional strain for the people who live there.

The band manager for Montreal Lake Cree Nation stated the evacuation of 200 residents caused substantial hardship, and many people were forced to leave their homes without essential belongings

“Families were disrupted.”

Crown Proscecutor Robyn Ermine, who had asked for a 10 year sentence, said the case was the first of its kind.

“I think this really sets a precendence for public prosecutions in that there were no prior wildfire sentencing cases per say,” she said, adding the impact of the wildfire was significant

The 2025 wildfire season was the worst in Saskatchewan’s history, with more than 500 fires burning nearly three million hectares, and over 10,000 people evacuated from more than 50 communities.

According to a report done by the provincial auditor, the wildfire response in 2025 cost more than $350 million, and included 916 out-of-province workers who cost between two and five times more than staff firefighters.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Ditch 2 Wildfire starter receives six year sentence

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