Creative Saskatchewan and Wavelength Entertainment, along with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, are celebrating the second season of Guardians of the North, which was filmed in the province.
The docuseries follows wildland firefighters and First Nation responders in Indigenous and northern communities while they protect the people, property, and resources of the north.
“This riveting docuseries provides a deeper understanding of the work involved and dangers faced by first responders in northern Saskatchewan,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said in a media release. “The tireless dedication of wildland firefighters and First Nation responders, as well as the coordinated effort of the SPSA and its partner agencies, is key to protecting the people of Saskatchewan from wildfires.”
The second season consists of six episodes that will continue to follow personnel from the SPSA and the Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management (SFNEM) as they prepare for and respond to wildfires and evacuations during the summer of 2023.
Last year’s wildfire season was one of the worst the province has ever seen. Saskatchewan saw 494 fires burn with around 1.9 million hectares burnt. Many northern communities had to get evacuated due to proximity to fire or smokey conditions.
“2023 saw unprecedented wildfire activity across Canada. It has been remarkable telling the stories of those dedicated brave individuals tasked with protecting human life, communities, and resources throughout Saskatchewan’s north,” Wavelength Entertainment Producer Chris Triffo said in a media release. “We thank Citytv Saskatchewan, Creative Saskatchewan, the SPSA and SFNEM for partnering with us to tell these exciting stories.”
Guardians of the North receives funding from Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and TV Production grant. The $280,000 investment for the second season is estimated to result in $1.2 million in positive economic impacts for the province.
The first episode of the second season is set to air March 5, 2024, at 10 p.m. CST on Citytv Saskatchewan.