Home / Environment / Wadin Bay's Fire Fight: Homes Saved, Costs Mount
Wadin Bay's Fire Fight: Homes Saved, Costs Mount
7 Apr
Summary
- Residents defied evacuation orders to save homes from fire.
- Community spent $39,000 fighting fires, seeks reimbursement.
- Saskatchewan's first FireSmart community faced significant costs.
In northern Saskatchewan, Wadin Bay residents defied evacuation orders in June 2025 to protect their homes and community from the Pisew fires. The community spent over 48 hours fighting the blaze, successfully preserving roughly 80 cottages and their homes, an area of trees that looked untouched by fire.
Despite their efforts, the Wadin Bay community has been engaged in a second battle to recoup expenses. They invested $39,000 for firefighting, which has not yet been reimbursed by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. This situation has left residents feeling disheartened after taking on the fire-fighting on the agency's behalf.
Nearly 20 years prior to the 2025 fires, Wadin Bay had already begun fire safety preparations. Recognized as Saskatchewan's first FireSmart community in 2015, residents actively worked to reduce fire risks by clearing debris and maintaining their yards.
The community's efforts included wetting down buildings and trees to create a humidity dome. When the fire encroached, two dozen volunteers stayed behind, using water trucks and shovels to combat the flames amid heavy smoke.
Residents who evacuated experienced significant anxiety due to patchy cell communication. Upon returning, they were met with 'Welcome Home' signs made from old fire hoses, a testament to the volunteers' success. The community's reserve fund, built over 30 years, is now depleted due to firefighting costs.
Applications for compensation through provincial programs have been denied, leading residents to seek the provincial ombudsman's review. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency stated that municipalities are the first line of defense and communities are responsible for emergency preparation costs.
Experts predict another busy fire season and emphasize the need for communities to invest in preventative measures, like sprinklers and water pumps. There is a call for provincial investment in small communities' fire defense capabilities.
Though facing financial setbacks, Wadin Bay residents remain resilient, cherishing the wilderness they fought to save. They continue to enjoy the peace and solitude of their preserved home.
