The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is deploying 2,000 lengths of one-and-a-half-inch fire hose to British Columbia. According to a social media post on Wednesday, the agency is doing so to support firefighting efforts in B.C., as the province deals with major wildfires. B.C. has declared a state of emergency. “The SPSA remains committed to supporting our mutual aid partners when requested and extends its condolences to those who have recently experienced significant loss,” read the agency’s post. Additionally, the SPSA has sent a Pratt and Whitney turbine engine to Ontario meant for a CL-415 water bomber and an Air Attack Officer to the Norwest Territories. The SPSA is coordinating responses to requests through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Saskatchewan wildfire situation As of 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, there were 19 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Four of them were contained, two required responders to protect values (like cabins and infrastructure), and 13 were listed as ongoing assessment. The two fires requiring the protection of values are the Zack Fire located between Campbell Lake and Prescott Lake – and the Madden Fire which is near Denare Beach. To date, there have been 321 wildfires in total this year – 151 fewer than the same time last year (472). That’s also lower than the five-year average of 441 as of Aug. 12. Fire bans are currently in place for 10 rural municipalities, four urban municipalities and two provincial parks. The Zack Fire started on July 12 and has burned roughly 8,963 hectares. It’s size and status largely haven’t changed since Aug. 3, according to SaskLakes. The Madden fire began on June 26 and has burned roughly 22,769 hectares. There are currently no communities in Saskatchewan declaring a state of emergency regarding wildfires.
