Residents of Weyakwin, Saskatchewan, including Lisa Powder and her great-grandchildren, have begun returning home after a week-long evacuation due to a nearby wildfire. While firefighters successfully prevented damage to any buildings, thick smoke persists, and the threat of spot fires remains, prompting residents to stay prepared for re-evacuation. The Ditch fire, which has been burning since May, destroyed much of the surrounding forest, and as of Thursday afternoon, 27 wildfires were still active in Saskatchewan.
'We're keeping a couple bags packed': Weyakwin, Sask., residents start returning after evac order lifted
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Residents of Weyakwin, Saskatchewan, including Lisa Powder and her great-grandchildren, have begun returning home after a week-long evacuation due to a nearby wildfire. While firefighters successfully prevented damage to any buildings, thick smoke persists, and the threat of spot fires remains, prompting residents to stay prepared for re-evacuation. The Ditch fire, which has been burning since May, destroyed much of the surrounding forest, and as of Thursday afternoon, 27 wildfires were still active in Saskatchewan.
Trending- 1 Ditch fire has been fighting off since May
- 2 Evacuation order for Weyakwin lifted on Thursday, allowing residents back in for the first time in a week
- 3 As of Thursday afternoon, there were 27 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan
- 4 Article published 2025-06-06
- Residents displaced for a week
- Loss of natural areas (berry patch, walking trail, forest)
- Lingering smoke and smell
- Ongoing threat of spot fires
- Need for continued vigilance and preparedness for re-evacuation
- Thousands of other evacuees still waiting to return
What: Residents of Weyakwin, Saskatchewan, are beginning to return home after an evacuation order was lifted following a wildfire that burned close to the community, with firefighters successfully preventing structural damage but smoke and spot fire threats remaining.
When: The evacuation order was lifted on Thursday (2025-06-05, assuming article published Friday 2025-06-06). Residents are returning as of Thursday afternoon. The Ditch fire has been burning since May. As of Thursday afternoon, 27 wildfires were burning in Saskatchewan.
Where: Weyakwin, Saskatchewan (hamlet 250 km northeast of Saskatoon), Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Timber Bay, Molanosa, Highway 2.
Why: To allow residents to return to their homes after the immediate threat from the Ditch fire subsided, while acknowledging the ongoing risks and the need for continued vigilance.
How: Firefighters and crews, including local residents like Jordan LaValle and Kalan Natonagan, actively fought the Ditch fire, preventing damage to buildings in Weyakwin. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency provides updates on active fires.