Towering flames from a wildfire burning near Buffalo Narrows on May 15, 2023. (Loren Chartier/Facebook)

By Derek Craddock

WILDFIRE SEASON

Too early to forecast 2024 wildfire season: SPSA

Feb 22, 2024 | 3:00 PM

While Alberta has already started the 2024 wildfire season, it doesn’t appear Saskatchewan will be doing that anytime soon.

Earlier this week, the Government of Alberta declared the start of its wildfire season, nearly two weeks before its scheduled start. It comes as more than 100 wildfires are currently burning in the province.

In Saskatchewan, two fires have already been recorded for 2024, with one of those active.

In an emailed statement to paNOW, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said it’s too early to provide an accurate forecast for the 2024 wildfire season.

“The SPSA continues to monitor the conditions, along with other risk factors, as we prepare for the upcoming season,” the statement said.

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In the summer of 2023, the SPSA saw more than 1.9 million hectares of land burned throughout Saskatchewan, an area five times the size of Prince Albert National Park.

There were about 505 fires recorded in the province that summer, which was well above the five-year average of 397.

Just over 2,700 people were evacuated from their communities, but thankfully there was no damage to homes or critical infrastructure. A total of 43 structures were lost over the past wildfire season, though no deaths or injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, provincial, territorial and federal emergency response ministers wrapped up two days of meetings in Ottawa talking about the upcoming wildfire season.

Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said this year’s wildfires could be even worse than last year.

“This morning, we were provided with an alarming but not surprising update on the upcoming wildfire season. We were warned that we need to be prepared for the worst,” Sajjan said, adding that the two-day discussions between the ministers didn’t result in a new strategy but focused on co-ordinating to be more responsive.

Sajjan said that includes ensuring all the provinces and territories know all the tools they have available so they can respond quickly.

First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan are already wondering about the coming season. Last year, the Buffalo River Dene Nation was one of several communities forced to evacuate due to encroaching wildfires.

Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC)’s Wildfire Task Force wants the provincial government to stay a step ahead and consider the use of local firefighting teams.

“The prospect of a warmer wildfire season coupled with diminished snowfall underscores the necessity for preventive action to ensure the well-being of our communities. The protection of our territories and our people is paramount, and we cannot afford to be reactive,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has pledged to work in close association with the PAGC to foster community-driven wildfire management and prevention initiatives, learning from the past years of unprecedented wildfire activity in northern Saskatchewan.

–With files from 980 CJME and The Canadian Press