An independent review of Saskatchewan’s record-setting 2025 wildfire season has concluded the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency was not prepared for the scale and complexity of the emergency, prompting both government promises of reform and renewed calls for accountability from opposition politicians and wildfire survivors.
The 107-page report, commissioned by the provincial government and completed by MNP, examined emergency preparedness, wildfire response, evacuations and recovery efforts following a season that saw more than 500 fires burn nearly three million hectares and force over 10,000 people from more than 50 communities.
Public Safety Minister Michael Weger acknowledged the findings during Friday’s release of the report.
“After reading this 107-page review, it is clear the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency must do better,” Weger said. “As the minister responsible for the SPSA, I’m here to tell you that I believe the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency can and will do better.”
The government announced 11 immediate actions in response to the review, including a new FireSmart Grant Program, the creation of community wildfire reservists, improved emergency communications, enhanced fire modelling technology and permanent recovery task teams. Wadin Bay will receive the first $40,000 FireSmart grant in recognition of wildfire mitigation work completed before last year’s fires.
The Saskatchewan NDP, however, said the report validates concerns raised by northern residents and emergency responders. Community Safety critic Hugh Gordon described the findings as “a damning report” and criticized the government for waiting nearly three weeks after receiving the report before making it public.
Gordon also questioned whether the government can successfully implement the report’s recommendations, noting that many northern residents are still waiting for answers and support nearly a year after the fires.
Among the strongest criticism came from Denare Beach resident Dustin Trumbley, who lost his home and belongings in last summer’s fires. Trumbley said the report confirms what many wildfire survivors have been saying for months.
“The report obviously shows the clear negligence of the SPSA and Scott Moe’s party members, ministers, managers,” Trumbley said.
The Denare Beach resident went further, calling for accountability at the top of the agency.
“I honestly do think Steve and Marlo both should resign from their positions,” he said, referring to SPSA President Marlo Pritchard and SPSA Vice-President Steve Roberts.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of trust between northern residents and the provincial government.
“We have no faith. There is nobody up there that has faith in this provincial government at all and I hope you can understand why,” Trumbley said.
Pritchard accepted responsibility for the agency’s performance during the wildfire season, telling reporters, “The ultimate responsibility is mine as president.” He added that the SPSA had already begun implementing changes before the review was released and pledged to continue improving wildfire preparedness and emergency response.
The province says the newly created Future Preparedness and Implementation Unit will oversee the recommendations and report on progress as Saskatchewan prepares for future wildfire seasons.
The MNP report is available here – MNP 2025 Wildfire Report
(TOP PHOTO – SPSA Minister Michael Weger holds a press conference in Saskatoon to discuss the MNP report, flanked by SPSA President Marlo Pritchard and a member of the Wadin Bay Cottage Association. Photo by Joel Willick)