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Saskatchewan fire officials clear support backlog, work on getting help to evacuees

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • June 13, 2025

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew meets with staff from the Manitoba Metis Federation outside the evacuation centre at the Thompson Regional Community Centre in Thompson, Man. during a tour of wildfires in northern Manitoba on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Deal-Pool

PRINCE ALBERT -- Saskatchewan fire officials say they're still working on getting support payments to wildfire evacuees, but an earlier backlog of people calling the province for help has been addressed.

Marlo Pritchard from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says evacuees forced out in recent weeks can call the agency and be taken care of either immediately or within a day.

Saskatchewan's ombudsman this week slammed the province's wildfire response, saying Premier Scott Moe's government was failing to provide immediate food, shelter and basic information to evacuees.

Sharon Pratchler had said evacuees calling for help were being told the government would get back to them in four days, forcing many to sleep in their cars or rely on other supports.

Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz says the province's ATV ban will be lifted later Friday, but a widespread fire ban remains in effect.

Moe says fire crews are in a better position now compared with previous days as weather continues to co-operate in fighting fires.

This report by was first published June 13, 2025.