Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for all Crown lands, provincial parks, provincial recreation sites, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.
The ban came into effect today and includes open fires, controlled burns, and fireworks are all included in the ban as well as all land within 4.5 km of provincial forest boundaries.
"We are making the decision to implement a fire ban to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure, and resources from wildfire," SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. "We are asking the public to take extreme caution to prevent wildfires during this time. This includes being cautious using all-terrain vehicles and reporting a fire if they see a fire."
The SPSA encourages other municipalities, rural municipalities, and communities to examine the fire risk in their area and to consider implementing fire bans to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.
Provincially, nearly half of wildfires are caused by human activity and usually begin in accessible areas near communities and roads.
As of 8 a.m., there were 73 wildfires in Saskatchewan. The province has had 302 wildfires, which is 91 more than the five-year average of 211.
The public is urged to call in a wildfire if they spot it. They can call 1-800-667-9960, dial 9-1-1, or contact the SPSA Forest Protection Area Office closest to them.