CL215-T flying over wildfire. (SPSA)

By BattlefordsNOW Staff

Sask. Wildfire Update

Saskatchewan extends disaster claim deadline amid wildfires; 60 active,12 communities evacuated

Jul 28, 2025 | 5:10 PM

A relentless wildfire season continues to grip Saskatchewan, with 60 active wildfires burning across the province as of 11:00 a.m. Monday. While six fires have been successfully contained, 12 remain uncontrolled, 23 are under ongoing assessment and an additional 19 are listed as protecting values.

Due to wildfire threats, evacuation orders have been issued for 12 communities: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Northern Hamlet of Jans Bay, Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay, Patuanak / English River First Nation, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation / Canoe Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, Resort Subdivision of Cole Bay, Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake

Support Extended for Evacuees

In a move to relieve some of the growing pressure on fire-impacted households, the province’s Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) announced it is extending the deadline to submit claim costs by one year.

Typically, individuals must apply within six months of the disaster. Now, those eligible will have an additional full year beyond the original claim deadline to cover costs like temporary displacement, property loss, or recovery expenses.

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“After a disaster, households have a lot to manage and take care of as they work through recovery,” said Marlo Pritchard, President of Saskatchewan Public Safety. “The Recovery Task Team will continue to look for ways to support and take some of that pressure off of the communities and their residents.”

PDAP is urging residents to submit their applications even if incomplete or if they’re still in negotiations with their insurers, emphasizing that early submission ensures a smoother process later on.

Recovery Efforts Underway in Denare Beach

While flames continue to threaten much of the province, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge in Denare Beach, one of the hardest-hit communities.

Cleanup crews began clearing wildfire debris on July 23, a critical milestone in returning properties to a “building-ready” state. Provincial automobile insurer SGI has already removed approximately 230 vehicles destroyed in the fires.

The Denare Beach Community Resiliency Centre has become a key resource hub, with over 70 residents seeking help for everything from insurance claims to mental health support. The centre is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays and continues to serve as a lifeline during this time.

Looking Ahead

With conditions still volatile and the peak of wildfire season yet to pass, Saskatchewan’s emergency and recovery teams are urging residents to remain alert, follow evacuation orders, and use available support systems.

For support or more information, residents can visit www.saskpublicsafety.ca/pdap or call 1-866-632-4033 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com