Wildfire nearly swallowed the entire community of Wadin Bay in the summer of 2025. Officials told everyone to leave the area immediately, but a few residents stayed back saying the only way to protect their properties was to fight the fires themselves. Not only did they risk their lives, but community members also spent $39,000 on equipment. Should the province reimburse them? CBC producer Janani Whitfield traveled to Wadin Bay to understand the difficult decisions people make as fire threatens their homes.

Wildfire nearly swallowed the entire community of Wadin Bay in the summer of 2025. Officials told everyone to leave the area immediately, but a few residents stayed back saying the only way to protect their properties was to fight the fires themselves. Not only did they risk their lives, but community members also spent $39,000 on equipment. Should the province reimburse them? CBC producer Janani Whitfield traveled to Wadin Bay to understand the difficult decisions people make as fire threatens their homes.

Why people in Wadin Bay defied a wildfire evacuation order

Two stories a week to connect you to Saskatchewan because when everyone is talking about it, so are we. Whether it’s about a cult that moved into a tiny village, a neighbourhood squabble over squirrels, or the political fallout of canola tariffs, you’ll leave with a better understanding of this place, and your place in it.&nbsp; On Wednesdays, join host Leisha Grebinski as she scans the province for one news story that matters to you, with help from our team of reporters in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. No community is off limits as we cover every corner of Saskatchewan including Île-à-la-Crosse, North Battleford, Gravelbourg, Richmound and more. On Fridays, we get the scoop on provincial politics with host Adam Hunter and panelists Alexander Quon and Murray Mandryk. You’ll hear how every decision made by Premier Scott Moe at the legislature connects to you and your community.

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Two stories a week to connect you to Saskatchewan because when everyone is talking about it, so are we. Whether it’s about a cult that moved into a tiny village, a neighbourhood squabble over squirrels, or the political fallout of canola tariffs, you’ll leave with a better understanding of this place, and your place in it.  On Wednesdays, join host Leisha Grebinski as she scans the province for one news story that matters to you, with help from our team of reporters in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. No community is off limits as we cover every corner of Saskatchewan including Île-à-la-Crosse, North Battleford, Gravelbourg, Richmound and more. On Fridays, we get the scoop on provincial politics with host Adam Hunter and panelists Alexander Quon and Murray Mandryk. You’ll hear how every decision made by Premier Scott Moe at the legislature connects to you and your community.

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Why people in Wadin Bay defied a wildfire evacuation order

Why people in Wadin Bay defied a wildfire evacuation order

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