Bulletins

REDUCING THE RISK OF WILDFIRE TO WASKESIU
Completed – Waskesiu Community Fuel Break Prescribed Fire
 

WASKESIU LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN, May 13, 2026 – The annual Waskesiu Community Fuel Break prescribed fire was successfully completed on May 13, 2026. The prescribed fire took 20 fire personnel approximately half a day to complete. Fire personnel will monitor the area for several days following the operation until all hot spots are extinguished. Fire management personnel followed standard operating procedures throughout the prescribed fire, including measures to ensure the safety of all involved. The safety of people, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is always the priority in prescribed fire operations. Safe and effective fire management reduces the danger of wildfire to the public, infrastructure and neighbouring lands, and improves the ecological health of forests and grasslands.

The Waskesiu Community Fuel Break is a great example of what a fuel break can look like after more than 20 years of hard work. Fuel breaks require ongoing maintenance to remain effective, including prescribed fires in the spring and vegetation management, such as tree and brush removal, in the winter months. Members of the public can help keep the fuel break effective by participating in the annual Christmas Tree Harvest. In 2025, Prince Albert National Park issued 132 permits to visitors to harvest a free Christmas tree from the Community Fuel Break.

Parks Canada is also an active member of FireSmart™ Canada. FireSmart™ Canada is a community protection program that focuses on how individuals and communities can work together to reduce the risk of loss from wildfires in communities across Canada. For more information on how to reduce wildfire risk to homes, neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure and communities, please visit FireSmartCanada.ca.

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