The Crown is pushing for a 10-year sentence in the case of a man who lit a massive wildfire in 2025, threatening communities in northern Saskatchewan. The maximum sentence for arson causing damage to property is 14 years. Jason Halkett from La Ronge pleaded guilty to lighting the Ditch 2 fire, which started near the hamlet of Weyakwin on May 26, 2025. The fire caused damage to property and led to evacuations from Weyakwin and Ramsey Bay. At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the prosecution argued the extent of the damage caused and the amount of resources used to fight the Ditch 2 fire should be taken into consideration for sentencing. The Ditch 2 fire had burned more than 200,000 hectares when it was finally contained about four months after it started. The SPSA used $10 million worth of resources to contain it. Crown prosecutor Robyn Ermine said wildfire resources, including resources from out of province, were spread thin because other major fires in the north, like the Pisew fire by La Ronge, were burning uncontained at the same time as the Ditch 2 fire. Victim impact statements from residents in the area of the Ditch 2 fire said the damage to the forest impacted land use for activities including hunting. The fire resulted in structure and value loss in Molanosa. The defense argued that Halkett has ADHD and likely has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and that his mother drank while pregnant. Defense attorney Evan Strelioff indicated this may have impacted Halkett’s decision making and understanding of consequence. Strelioff argued there is no conclusive evidence toward whether this was a reckless or intentional fire. He said the Crown’s position on sentencing “allows the consequences of the fire to overwhelm any other sentencing considerations.” He said Halkett has shown a desire to find employment after his incarceration and explained Halkett is currently taking two classes with hopes to attend a trade school in the future. Halkett was initially scheduled to have his sentencing hearing in May. However, it was delayed several times to wait for victim impact statements and a Gladue report, which outlines an Indigenous offender’s life circumstances. The sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 8.
