CAF Celebrates 10 Years of Operation Lentus with Tree Planting

UPDATE: The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) commemorated the tenth anniversary of Operation Lentus 15-02 with a poignant tree planting ceremony at Prince Albert City Hall on July 15, 2025. This Ohio Buckeye tree symbolizes gratitude for the CAF’s heroic efforts during the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Northern Saskatchewan in 2015.

The event, attended by CAF personnel and local dignitaries, including MLA Alana Ross, began with a ceremonial prayer and smudging, creating a reflective atmosphere as attendees honored the resilience demonstrated during the crisis. Ross emphasized the overwhelming challenges faced that year, stating, “The scale of the crisis was overwhelming, and yet communities, governments, and first responders from all levels became united for a powerful response.”

The 2015 wildfire season was one of the worst in Saskatchewan’s history, with over 700 fires scorching nearly 1.8 million hectares and prompting the evacuation of over 50 northern communities, affecting around 13,000 people. This unprecedented emergency led to the activation of Operation Lentus 15-02, deploying approximately 850 CAF members to assist local firefighting teams in critical operations.

Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Graver, Commanding Officer of the North Saskatchewan Regiment, reflected on his experiences during the operation. “This operation is something that I’m very proud of,” Graver shared, recalling the urgency to rally support. “This is a no-fail task; this is the home game. We’re there to help secure and protect Canadians.”

Graver led a domestic response company comprised of soldiers from Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, part of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group. Over two weeks, they engaged in wildfire suppression, information gathering, and community support activities around La Ronge. Graver noted the lasting impact of their assistance, stating, “To this day, I still run into people from that area, and they’re still very thankful for the military help provided during that operation.”

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat, especially this summer, the military’s role in responding to these emergencies is likely to expand. Just this past summer, around 400 soldiers were deployed to Northern Saskatchewan to combat more than 480 wildfires. Graver pointed out that wildfires have already devastated over three million hectares of land in 2025 alone.

“The Canadian Armed Forces train for these types of deployments, both foreign and domestic,” Graver stated. “We need to always protect our homeland, our borders, and our people above all else. This is why these deployments are so important to our soldiers and why I’m so proud of the support we provide to Northern Saskatchewan.”

As the community reflects on a decade since Operation Lentus, the ongoing threat of wildfires underscores the importance of readiness and unity in the face of natural disasters. The CAF’s commitment to assist in these emergencies continues to resonate deeply within the communities they protect.