The man who lit a wildfire that threatened communities in northern Saskatchewan last summer has once again had his sentencing hearing pushed back for the fourth time. Jason Halkett of La Ronge had his sentencing hearing adjourned on Thursday because the docket was too full. Halkett pleaded guilty to one count of arson - damage to property for starting the Ditch 2 wildfire which burned 200,000 hectares threatening both people and property in communities along Highway 2. The fire started in the Weyakwin area on May 26, 2025, and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency investigators determined it was human caused. Halkett was arrested last August in Saskatoon. Previous adjournments were made to allow time for victim impact statements to be submitted and for a Gladue report to be completed, a document that outlines an Indigenous offender’s life circumstances, and systemic factors to help inform an appropriate sentence. Victims of the Ditch 2 wildfire must continue their wait to see justice served. The sentencing hearing has now been scheduled for Sept. 17.
