The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has revised its ongoing provincial fire ban to prohibit the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVS) and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVS) on all vacant Crown Land, the provincial forest, including the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District and all provincial parks located within the provincial forest.
The revision came into effect at 5 p.m. on May 29, and joins bans of open fires, controlled burns and fireworks within the designated boundary.
"The vast majority of the active fires in the province are caused by human activity," SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. "By revising the fire ban to prohibit ATVs and UTVs, we are taking a significant step to reducing the number of fire starts."
The SPSA stated that the wildfires caused by human activity are most commonly started in accessible areas near communities and roads, and encourages residents to not drive on dry grass, fully extinguishing all embers from campfires, and to discuss fire safety with young children to help reduce the number of fires in the province.
Rural municipalities, and communities are encouraged by the SPSA to examine fire risks in their area and consider implementing consistent fire bans to prevent human-caused wildfires.
Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca. A list of fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.