Latest news with #GemLakes
CBC
17-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Wildfires force closure of 2 campgrounds in Narrow Hills Provincial Park
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) Open Image in New Tab 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."
CBC
14-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfires close 2 northern Sask. campgrounds for the summer
The Gem Lakes and Lost Echo campgrounds will be closed for the 2025 season because of significant damage caused by wildfires.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- CTV News
‘Needs time to regenerate': Scenic Gem Lakes campgrounds closed for season due to wildfires
SaskParks says the Gem Lakes and Lost Echo campgrounds are officially closed for the 2025 season due to wildfires near Narrow Hills Provincial Park. The Gem Lakes, a popular area for camping and hiking in Narrow Hills Provincial Park, have burned in the 'Shoe' fire. 'There was significant damage from the fire and we ask that people avoid the area,' SaskParks said in an update on social media. 'Burned trees pose a safety risk, and the forest needs time to regenerate. Limiting human impact will help accelerate its recovery.' The Gem Lakes are an iconic destination within Narrow Hills, visited by thousands of people each year. 'Anyone with a camping reservation at Lost Echo or Gem Lakes campgrounds this summer will be contacted with the option to re-book their vacation in another park without any additional fees or get a refund,' officials added. 'Visitors with a reservation in May at other Narrow Hills campgrounds have also been contacted and have this same option.' The Shoe fire was reported on May 7 and has now spanned 14,500 hectares — or 145 kilometres squared, more than double the size of Prince Albert — according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The SPSA said it's doing everything it can contain the fire. As of Tuesday evening, there were eight active fires in Saskatchewan – three of which were not contained. -With files from Stacey Hein.
