FortSask

People are being asked to be extra cautious as wildfires burn out of control in some areas of the prairies.

With hot, dry conditions a simple spark off equipment or vehicles can quickly turn into a fire.

Individuals are encouraged to make sure they have fire extinguishers in the vehicle, equipment, and any off-road vehicles.

It's always important to be aware and follow any fire bans that may be in effect in your area.

The wildfire situation is growing across the prairies with a number of fires out of control in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

As the region deals with an influx of wildfire smoke, there is some concern that it could put a dent into people's long weekend plans. 

According to Environment Canada, this smoke is coming from the northern Alberta wildfires. 

"A cold front passed through the province [on Monday night] causing the overall flow to instead come from the northwest," said Sarah Hoffman with Environment Canada. "We're seeing some very poor air quality values across Alberta because of the smoke." 

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a string of thefts in the city. 

According to police, there have been nine incidents of tailgates being stolen in the city since January. 

The thieves are believed to be targeting Ford F350 models built between 2013 and 2016. 

If you own this type of vehicle or something similar you are asked to take necessary precautions to make sure you don't also become a victim. 

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact the local RCMP detachment. 

Air quality statements continue to blanket much of British Columbia and the Prairie provinces as scores of wildfires rage.

As of Tuesday evening, more than 19,500 people in Alberta have been forced out of their homes with 91 active wildfires burning in the province, 27 of which are considered out of control.

Meanwhile, the northeast British Columbia city of Fort St. John, with a population of about 21,000, remains under an evacuation alert in response to a wildfire that's more than 130 square kilometres in size.

Seeding operations continue to progress with warmer temperatures expected to help dry things up on the eastern side of the prairies - southeast Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.

Bruce Burnett, the Director of Markets and Weather for MarketsFarm says seeding operations began in Alberta.

We now know who will be hitting the stage for Fort Saskatchewan's Family Festival next month. 

The city recently announced the performers who will be entertaining the masses at the festival. 

Here's a look at the lineup: 

In Manitoba, feeder steer and heifer prices took a hit for the week ending May 12th.

The biggest drop for the feeder steers was in the 401 to 500 pound category down $9.54 for an average price of $347.00 per cwt, while the biggest gain was $2.66 in the 701-800 pound category for an average price of $286.95 per cwt.

Feeder heifer prices all took a hit last week with the biggest drop in the feeder heifers with 401 to 500 pound heifers dropping $10.96 for an average price of $292.04 per cwt. 

Flea beetles are the pest of greatest economic risk to canola production, according to the 2022 Canola Council of Canada survey of canola growers. With more striped species, which emerge earlier in the spring and seem more tolerant of common seed treatments, and with spring weather conditions that challenge rapid crop emergence, flea beetle damage seems worse than ever.

Keith Gabert an agronomy specialist and insect management lead for the Canola Council of Canada shared some key information for producers.

Canola growers have two major objectives to reduce the risk.

A Fort Sask Sonic volleyball team won nationals over the weekend. 

The U15 boys team was in Edmonton competing at nationals, where they tore up the tier 10 playoff bracket, winning gold without losing a single set. 

"This is their first season with the club and the first boys' team we've had in Fort Saskatchewan for club volleyball," said Craig Vetsch, the president of the club. "[The first-place finish] is incredible for a first-year team and we are very proud of them." 

A Gibbons councillor is in some hot water after being hit with a letter of reprimand. 

Last Wednesday (May 10), councillor Amber Harris received a letter from deputy mayor Willis Kozak detailing the improper use of Harris' town credit card. 

An investigation into Harris' behaviour started in mid-April after council received a formal letter of complaint from Mayor Dan Deck. 

The investigation found multiple instances of alleged credit card misuse happening between February and March of this year.