Saskatchewan wildfire agency unprepared due to poor planning, auditor finds

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) entered the 2026 fire season in a precarious position, unprepared for potential wildfire onslaughts, according to a provincial auditor's report. Key issues identified include poor planning and budgeting, which have led to increased costs and a heavy reliance on contracted services.

“

Without strong planning, the agency risks entering each wildfire season without optimal level of resources, resulting in increased costs and reliance on contracted services.

Provincial auditor Tara Clemett highlighted in her report that while the SPSA possesses the necessary components for an effective wildfire response, these elements have not been properly integrated. The report outlined eleven recommendations, emphasizing the need for proactive preparedness and planning before fire season begins. "Without strong planning, the agency risks entering each wildfire season without optimal level of resources, resulting in increased costs and reliance on contracted services," Clemett stated.

“

We found contracted personnel costs two to five times more than the agency firefighters.

A significant concern raised was the agency's financial management, particularly its extensive use of contractors. The auditor found that contracted personnel cost two to five times more than agency firefighters. "Actual variable costs related to wildfire response exceeded the agency’s initial budget by more than $70 million in each of the past three years, showing budgets do not reasonably reflect the expected costs of wildfire response," Clemett said.

“

Actual variable costs related to wildfire response exceeded the agency’s initial budget by more than $70 million in each of the past three years, showing budgets do not reasonably reflect the expected costs of wildfire response.

Better preparation and cost management are crucial for ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively. The auditor recommended that the SPSA determine its optimal resource needs at the outset and incorporate these requirements into budget requests. The agency has been making costly decisions regarding equipment and staffing during urgent situations after fire season has already started. Forecasting future needs is expected to save money and improve the agency's response time.

“

The agency needs to determine what are (the) optimal resources required at the onset. Then, when it’s making its budget request, that it would include what (amount of) overall personnel, equipment, and so forth (are required).