Donations drive begun, Métis Nation Sask. declares wildfire state of emergency

Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MN-S)  has declared a State of Emergency as they say an “alarming number of citizens” are being forced to flee their home communities because of Saskatchewan wildfires, driven by hot, dry conditions and high winds.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting widespread smoke with winds turning southeasterly today and westerly on Sunday in much of the north of the province, where many of the fires are burning.

There were 16 active fires burning in Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said in its daily report that seven of those blazes were not contained, while another three of the fires were under ongoing assessment and the status of one was protecting values. Five fires were considered contained.

Contained means suppression action is taking place and the fire is not expected to grow in size, ongoing assessment means the fire is being monitored regularly to assess risk to values in the area and not contained means suppression action is taking place but the fire is expected to grow in size, according to SPSA. Protecting values means a fire is active and action is focused on protecting things like cabins and infrastructure.

As well, fire bans are active in 56 urban municipalities, 120 rural municipalities and 23 provincial parks in the province, with the fire danger considered extreme over much of the province.

SPSA says there have been 211 fires in Saskatchewan so far in 2025.  The five-year average to date for Saskatchewan wildfires is 128.

Read more:

• Shifting winds, wildfire smoke a huge challenge for Saskatchewan firefighters
• Saskatchewan communities coming together to support evacuees and firefighters
• Housing Sask. wildfire evacuees becomes more and more challenging

(Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

ECCC said there was also a chance of showers in the north on Sunday afternoon, but that also carries a thunderstorm risk.

“These wildfires are spreading so unpredictably, and citizens are being evacuated with little or no notice and no destination in place,” MN–S President Glen McCallum said in a news release on Saturday.

“They’re leaving behind their homes and their livelihoods with little more than uncertainty ahead. Our citizens are the heart of our Nation. We must be able to respond to their needs so that when they arrive at safe locations, they are welcomed with as many comforts from home as we can provide.”

MN–S says it is mounting response teams and providing boots on the ground wherever
they can be most helpful and is working alongside provincial and federal partners to ensure Métis citizens have access to supports.

The release said that with additional collaboration and resources, MN-S can expand culturally grounded services, supplies, and shelter for those displaced, adding that the work that must be done in solidarity with all levels of government.

MN–S is providing emergency info on its website at metisnationsk.com/emergency.

(Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

Donations call to support evacuees

Meanwhile, Saskatoon Community Foundation (SCF) and United Way Saskatoon have begun a donations drive to help evacuees.

In a joint news release on May 30, the organizations said the thousands of evacuees need transportation and activities to support the mental health, wellbeing, and belonging
of those displaced, adding they are working with key partners, including the City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization to achieve this goal.

“Disaster strikes in a moment, but we will be there for the long term,”  Rachael Steinke, the Chief Executive Officer at SCF, said in the release.

“Disasters destroy buildings and bridges, but they also threaten a sense of safety and belonging. We will walk together to heal and recover.”

People can donate through the Emergency Response Fund on the Saskatoon Community Foundation website  or through United Way’s 2025 Fire Evacuee Fund.

“We know these are challenging times for the individuals and families displaced by this emergency and want everyone from these communities to feel welcome and have opportunities to connect with the best of Saskatoon while they are in the city,” said Sheri Benson, CEO United Way Saskatoon and Area in the release.

Read more:

• Shifting winds, wildfire smoke a huge challenge for Saskatchewan firefighters
• Saskatchewan communities coming together to support evacuees and firefighters
• Housing Sask. wildfire evacuees becomes more and more challenging