Home / Disasters and Accidents / Arson Sentencing Delayed Amidst Community Trauma
Arson Sentencing Delayed Amidst Community Trauma
8 May
Summary
- Jason Halkett pleaded guilty to arson causing property damage.
- The Ditch 2 fire burned over 200,000 hectares of land.
- Community members experienced psychological distress from evacuation.
The sentencing hearing for Jason Halkett, 29, who admitted to starting the Ditch 2 fire, has been postponed. Halkett pleaded guilty to arson causing property damage on April 9, 2026. The fire, which began on May 26, 2025, near Weyakwin, Sask., was not contained until August 13, 2025.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency investigated the human-caused Ditch 2 fire, which burned over 200,000 hectares of forest. This led to the evacuation of over 200 residents from communities including Weyakwin and Montreal Lake, causing significant psychological distress and fear of losing homes.
Halkett is being held in custody and appeared in court in Montreal Lake. The Crown requested a pre-sentence report, but this was denied. Victim impact statements from nine communities have been requested. Halkett is scheduled to reappear in court on June 4, 2026.
Montreal Lake Cree Nation experienced substantial financial and environmental costs from the fire. The community's gymnasium was already sheltering fire evacuees when the Ditch 2 fire started. Leaders mobilized local crews to protect homes and buildings.
