An aerial photo of the DITCH02 fire that torched approximately 203,000 hectares. (File photo)

By Susan McNeil

Arson

Man charged with sparking one of Sask’s biggest wildfires

Aug 29, 2025 | 1:26 PM

A 29-year-old La Ronge man has been charged with starting one of the province’s largest wildfires of 2025 near Weyakwin.

Jason Halkett is charged with one count of arson in connection with lighting the DITCH02 fire. He was arrested by police in Saskatoon on August 27.

The DITCH02 fire was ignited on May 26 and was declared contained on August 26. The blaze grew to become the fourth-largest wildfire in Saskatchewan in 2025, covering a whopping 203,000 hectares while destroying several structures and forcing the evacuation of multiple communities.

Halkett made his first appearance in Saskatoon Provincial Court yesterday.

So far this wildfire season, there have been 467 fires to date, with more than 2.8 million hectares burned as of August.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com