Wildfires force closure of 2 campgrounds in Narrow Hills Provincial Park

CBC

17-05-2025

Closures will impact businesses that rely on summer tourism
Two popular campgrounds in northern Saskatchewan will remain closed for the entire 2025 season after sustaining significant damage from wildfires.
Saskatchewan Parks confirmed Tuesday that the Gem Lakes and Lost Echo campgrounds in Narrow Hills Provincial Park will not reopen this year. The park, located about 130 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert, was the site of an aggressive wildfire that grew to nearly 15,000 hectares at its peak.
"It's still high risk," said Paul Johnson, assistant deputy minister with Saskatchewan Parks. "There still are fires burning in and around the park with lots of smoke. … It's still a difficult situation up and around Narrow Hills Provincial Park."
While the rest of the park remains closed for now, officials say areas outside of the damaged campgrounds may reopen in a few weeks if conditions improve.
Business owners hit hard
The closure is a major blow to local businesses that rely on summer tourism. Shelly Lawrence, who owns Rainbow Lodge on nearby Piprell Lake, was forced to leave last Thursday.
"It's already impacted our business quite a bit with having to cancel prior to the May long weekend," she said.
"It's a huge loss for us."
The Gem Lakes are a popular destination in Narrow Hills. Known for their hiking trails and camping, they attract thousands of visitors each summer.
Image | Rainbow lodge
Caption: Shelly Lawrence, owner of Rainbow Lodge, says the closure of the campgrounds will impact her business. (Submitted by Shelly Lawrence)
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The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is asking people to stay away from the area, even as the immediate fire risk decreases. Officials say burned trees could fall without warning and the forest needs time to recover.
Narrow Hills is one of several regions across the province facing wildfire challenges as warm, dry conditions continue. Fire bans remain in effect in many areas.
Lawrence said that while she waits and hopes for a clear solution, she appreciates the work being done by firefighters.
"Can't expect any more out of those workers," Lawrence said. "They're underpaid to risk their lives."