The persistent dry and windy conditions in the province have prompted the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to expand its provincial fire ban. The ban now includes all Crown land, provincial parks located within the provincial forest, and the provincial forest itself, including the entire Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.
The expansion order was put into effect as of 5 pm on May 26. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. "An extreme fire risk exists across most of the province," SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. "The majority of the active fires in the province are caused by human activity. It is important for everyone to know that human-caused fires are preventable."
A release from the SPSA states that in Saskatchewan, human-caused wildfires typically start in accessible areas near communities and roads. Simple actions like not driving a vehicle on dry grass, drowning campfires until embers are cool, and talking to young children about fire safety can make an impact on the number of fires in Saskatchewan.
The SPSA continues to encourage all other municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to examine fire risks in their area and to consider implementing consistent fire bans to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.
Fire bans are in place in many RMs across north central Saskatchewan. People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.
As of May 26 at 3 pm, there are 20 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 200 wildfires, which is 36 more than the same point in time last year of 164. The wildfire 5-year average in Saskatchewan to date is 123.