Conditions are better at this time this year than it was in 2025. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

fire update

Low fire risk for beginning of spring

Apr 14, 2026 | 1:47 PM

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is expecting a slow start to the fire season this year.

That’s according to an email from SPSA to larongeNOW, which states while actuals on the fire risk in the province are not possible while snow is on the ground, the SPSA is currently preparing for the wildfire season based on indices from the fall, the current snow load, and current and historical weather forecasts.

“In Saskatchewan and the La Ronge area, the agency is expecting a low risk for the beginning of spring 2026 with the current conditions being more favourable compared to this point in time in 2025,” the email notes.

“However, this can change quickly if the weather becomes warmer and windier, and if we experience a high number of human-caused starts, which was the case last year.”

With more snow on the ground than 2025 and with the snow melting slowly, the SPSA supports a very favourable 2026 wildfire risk outlook.

temporary repairs underway

Potholes in La Ronge causing havoc for motorists

43m ago

Murder trial

'He was my good friend': witness testifies at Bird murder trial

1h ago

fire update

Low fire risk for beginning of spring

2h ago

“A slow melt keeps moisture up and allows the moisture to penetrate the soil, which will further help reduce wildfires,” the email adds.

“When an area warms up quickly before the ground is thawed, then it can result in conditions being dry which increases the risk of wildfire starts. In these conditions, the water can run into the lakes and streams; not being absorbed into the ground. A quick melt also increases the risk of local flooding becoming an issue.”

As of the beginning of March, the Water Security Agency is expecting the spring runoff in Northern Saskatchewan to be below normal, which can result in significantly lower runoff than presently forecast. In the Churchill River Basin, dry conditions are expected to result in lower flows and lake levels this year.

Data from Environment Canada shows it was a rather dry January in La Ronge with the area receiving less than half of the average amount of precipitation. While February was more on the wet side, precipitation in March was also below average.

—

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Low fire risk for beginning of spring

What's Trending