Nova Scotia Answers Second Call to Help Fight Wildfires in Saskatchewan

Nova Scotia is sending a fire crew to help with out-of-control wildfires in Saskatchewan for the second time this wildfire season.

Twenty firefighters and a representative from the Department will fly to Saskatoon on Saturday, July 19, where they will be briefed and learn where they will be deployed.

“Western Canada is having a tough wildfire season, they need our help, and we’re in a good position to help,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “I thank Nova Scotians for following the daily burn restrictions. By limiting wildfires in our province, we not only avoid devastation in our communities – we can also send another crew to our friends in need in Saskatchewan.”

Nova Scotia firefighters first went to Saskatchewan in late May, returning in June.

Current fire conditions in Nova Scotia allow the Province’s wildfire resources to be shared. The Department will continue to monitor conditions and make sure sufficient resources are maintained in the province. Crews could return early if they are needed at home.

Quick Facts:

• the Province has also provided other assistance in western and northern Canada this year:
  • an ignition specialist is currently in the Northwest Territories; the specialist plans and supervises fires that are intentionally lit and then extinguished to remove material for a wildfire to burn, creating a buffer that helps prevent a wildfire from growing
  • two communications technicians from the Department of Emergency Management assisted in Alberta in June
• last year, the Department deployed fire crews or other resources six times to help with wildfires across Canada
• Nova Scotia is a member of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which ensures all provinces and territories will receive help if wildfires become too large to handle
• the affected province or territory covers the costs of the jurisdictions that are sending help
• requests for assistance from other jurisdictions are co-ordinated through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and are mostly for 14-day deployments

Additional Resources:

Daily burn restrictions: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

National fire situation report: https://ciffc.net/

Natural Resources on X: https://x.com/NS_DNR

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.