Sask. government to spend $20M on communities devastated by wildfire

The government of Saskatchewan has committed $20 million to initiate the rebuilding process for northern Saskatchewan communities that have been devastated by wildfires. 

It has also established a dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT)  to lead wildfire recovery efforts. 

"Assisting recovery efforts for communities impacted by this year's wildfires remains a top priority for our government," said Saskatchewan Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod at Monday's wildfire update.

"We know that the road to recovery begins with clearing the way, quite literally and figuratively."

The RTT is composed of the ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, Environment and Crown Corporations. They have conducted a preliminary needs assessment alongside communities including Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and others that have been devastated by this year's wildfires. 

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The assessment has identified three priority areas needed for recovery such as the removal of debris and environmental testing, creating, expanding or maintaining landfills near affected communities and project management support for impacted communities. 

"As planning, cleanup and debris removal occurs, the Recovery Task Team will continue to work closely with communities to support their recovery plan," McLeod said.

The majority of the funding will be delivered through a Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, according to Monday's SPSA press release. It will be available to all communities and individuals who suffered losses during the provincial emergency declaration period or under a local state of emergency between May 29 to June 26. 

Almost 300 primary residences have been destroyed by wildfires, said SPSA president Marlo Pritchard. He said damage to personal property, like garages, has now exceeded over 2,000. 

"We're really into the wildfire season now," he said.

"We'll continue to look at this and suppress them the best we can."

• Family says they warned province about wildfire threat to East Trout Lake, but were ignored

Pritchard said there are still a number of active wildfires in Saskatchewan, which have now encroached on the province's west end. 

The SPSA has reported there are 67 active wildfires in the province, and only nine of them are contained, At the same time, McLeod said the government will continue to work closely with individuals who have lost residences due to wildfires. 

 "We certainly hope that we can avoid any further devastation in other inhabited communities and areas."