Families on Edge as Lobstick Fire Spreads Across Saskatchewan
Residents near the Lobstick Fire in Saskatchewan are facing uncertainty and fear as the wildfire rapidly expands. Many families, particularly those with livestock, are preparing for potential evacuations, describing the situation as one of constant vigilance and preparedness.
Living on High Alert
Becca Katz, a homeowner located approximately 20 kilometers west of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was observed loading horses into a trailer on Friday afternoon. Her farm lies directly in the projected path of the Lobstick Fire. “It’s definitely pretty scary,” Katz stated. “We have livestock, and the fire is kind of heading straight towards us, so it definitely puts you on edge.”
A thick plume of black smoke was visible, and her horses were showing signs of distress from the air quality. Katz expressed frustration regarding the clarity of directives from provincial authorities. “We’ve just been flying by the seat of our pants, really,” she commented, highlighting a perceived lack of clear guidance.
In less than a week, the Lobstick Fire has grown to cover 130 square kilometers, successfully crossing the North Saskatchewan River. Fire bans are currently in effect across numerous areas in central and southern Saskatchewan.
Katz reported that while the fire was initially reported on Monday, official notification was not received until late Thursday. “That was very poor communication on their end,” she remarked. Her farm is home to 99 horses, along with chickens, two dogs, and two cats.
An evacuation notice was received by Katz around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, but this was subsequently downgraded to an alert within 45 minutes. By Friday, she was actively relocating her horses, transporting them in groups of three to a neighbor’s property situated 30 kilometers away. While the animals were not exhibiting panic, Katz emphasized that shifting winds and thickening smoke prompted her to take proactive measures. “My biggest concern would obviously be losing my home or my animals,” she said.
She indicated that the primary source of information for the community was a Facebook group, rather than direct communication from provincial or rural municipal officials.
Official Response and Fire Ban
According to information from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Lobstick Fire was first reported on Tuesday at 3:10 p.m. Community Safety Minister Michael Weger confirmed that fire crews were dispatched within 20 minutes of the report.
The fire is actively burning through the Nisbet Forest, a tract of land managed by the province that traverses the rural municipality of Duck Lake. Reeve of Duck Lake, Remi Martin, implemented a fire ban on Tuesday, the same day the fire began. Martin noted his limitations in extending the ban into the Nisbet Forest and expressed anticipation for provincial action in that regard.
“Within seven days we went from an inch and a half of snow and rain on the May long weekend to wildfires,” Martin stated. “The government has to adapt a little quicker. Sometimes you’ve just got to grab the bull by the horns.” He recounted a conversation with an official where he inquired about the severity of the situation, receiving the assessment that it was “bad, but not critical.”
Minister Weger announced a province-wide fire ban on Friday during a news conference. This ban encompasses all Crown land south of Highway 55, affecting areas across central and southern Saskatchewan. It prohibits open fires, controlled burns, fireworks, and the use of recreational ATVs and UTVs in provincial forests. It’s important to note that this ban does not automatically apply to rural municipalities or incorporated towns, which are required to enact their own bylaws.
“I’d say we’re being proactive today by putting in the fire ban,” Weger said. “A fire ban wouldn’t necessarily have stopped this fire from happening. We are concerned — we’re in immediate threat of wildfire in this province,” he added. “If you’re unsure if you’re in a fire ban area, assume you’re in a fire ban area.”
Impact and Ongoing Efforts
The Lobstick Fire moved across the North Saskatchewan River on Friday morning, with hot spots now present on the north side. Aerial tankers and helicopters have been engaged in efforts to combat the blaze for several days, Weger confirmed.
Some property damage has been reported, primarily affecting outbuildings rather than homes. Additionally, some agricultural lands have been impacted, and ranchers have been compelled to relocate cattle to escape the smoke and the proximity of the fire.
The community of Lily Plain remains under an evacuation alert, signifying that an evacuation is advised but not mandatory. Communities situated within 20 kilometers of the fire, including McDowell, Duck Lake, and Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, are currently considered to be under threat.
