REGINA, Sask. — Saskatchewan recorded 358 wildfires by Oct. 19, below the five-year average, as the province continues flood recovery and emergency assistance efforts.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) said wildfire activity was lower than in recent years during the 2026 operational season, with fires burning more than 300,000 hectares, mostly in the northern response area.
The province recorded 358 wildfires as of Oct. 19, compared with 520 during the same period last year and a five-year year-to-date average of 539.
Of the fires recorded this season, 165 were identified as human-caused, while lightning caused more fires. Members of the public reported 113 wildfires to the SPSA.
Despite the relatively moderate season, the agency said the risk of new fires remains and encouraged residents to follow local fire restrictions and practise safe outdoor activities.
“Despite nearly 360 wildfires this season, there was minimal damage and losses to property due to the incredible work of our wildland firefighters, first responders and community members,” Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Michael Weger said.
The SPSA also sent personnel, equipment and air support to assist with wildfire responses in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Oregon.
In Denare Beach, rebuilding continued following the 2025 wildfire that devastated the community. Residents marked the fire's one-year anniversary in June with the Stronger Together — Wildfire Recovery and Community Healing Day event.
Rebuilding began about three months after the fire. To date, 58 homes have been rebuilt, with nine more expected to be completed in October. The community has also developed a five-phase mitigation plan and completed three phases.
Meanwhile, the SPSA's response to spring flooding has shifted from emergency operations to long-term recovery and assistance.
The agency's Operations Division responded to 47 flooding incidents in 2026, including 30 caused by snowmelt.
The Recovery Task Team continues to support dozens of flood-affected communities through recovery centres, virtual town halls and an online portal providing recovery information and assistance to local governments and community administrators.
The SPSA's Provincial Disaster Assistance Program is also assisting with 186 disaster designations across Saskatchewan. The designations cover flooding, plow winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and other events.
