Home / Crime and Justice / Man Pleads Guilty to Major Sask. Wildfire Arson
Man Pleads Guilty to Major Sask. Wildfire Arson
28 Apr
Summary
- Man guilty of arson for starting a massive wildfire.
- The fire burned over 200,000 hectares last summer.
- Sentencing is scheduled for May 7 in Montreal Lake court.
A 29-year-old man from La Ronge, Sask., has pleaded guilty to arson in connection with a wildfire that consumed over 200,000 hectares at its peak last summer. Jason Halkett admitted his guilt on April 9, with his sentencing set for May 7 in Montreal Lake provincial court.
The Ditch 2 fire, first reported on May 26, 2025, posed a significant threat to communities along Highway 2, including Molanosa, Ramsey Bay, Timber Bay, and Weyakwin. The blaze eventually expanded to over 200,000 hectares, causing structural damage and necessitating the evacuation of multiple areas.
Investigations by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency identified the Ditch 2 fire as human-caused. The RCMP arrested Halkett in Saskatoon in August 2025, leading to the arson charge. If convicted of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire, the maximum sentence under Canada's Criminal Code is 14 years in prison.
