The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has modified the provincial fire ban issued last week.
The fire ban remains in effect for all Crown lands, provincial parks, provincial recreation sites, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, which are located north of the provincial forest boundary, including the 4.5 km burn notification area.
In general, the SPSA says, south of Prince Albert, it will be up to individual municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities, and parks to determine if a fire ban is required.
“Each provincial park in the southern part of the province will continue to work with the SPSA to determine risk and implement campfire restrictions if required,” said Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross. “We encourage all residents and visitors to remain diligent in preventing human-caused fires in all areas of Saskatchewan.”
The changes took effect today at 11 a.m. As of 8 a.m. this morning, there are 95 wildfires burning in the province. Saskatchewan has had 367 wildfires to date, which is 119 more than the five-year average of 248.
“While we are modifying the current fire ban, the situation is dependent on weather, temperature, soil conditions and overall fire risk,” said Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman. “People need to be aware of, and adhere to, all fire bans and burning restrictions placed by municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities and regional parks.”
The public is reminded to report wildfires by calling 1-800-667-9660, 9-1-1, or their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.