The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is preparing for the warm season as it brings an increased risk for wildfires, grass fires, and flooding.
SPSA President Marlo Pritchard says they are prepared for the upcoming summer response season, noting they monitor all hazard impacts including spring runoff and summer weather trends to mitigate, plan, and prepare for environmental risks during the summer months.
“The SPSA has developed a spring risk outlook that provides an overview of identified environmental risks in Saskatchewan. However, as we move into spring, conditions may vary from these forecasts, and moisture levels may also vary and can vary even between regions.” He continues “we are anticipating areas where abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions are expected. However, the overall picture for Saskatchewan indicates better conditions than we saw in 2024. Climatology reports suggest that the southern half of Saskatchewan will experience an early start to the thunderstorm season, basically starting now, and the northern half of the province will experience a normal start to the season beginning mid to late May.”
Pritchard discusses the possibility of flooding, saying the Water Security Agency (WSA) provides the SPSA with reports that monitor flooding indications. In the event that flooding occurs, the SPSA is prepared to work with any affected community. He notes they recently provided pumps and sandbags in the Swift Current and Aberdeen areas, as they experienced regional flooding.
Pritchard continues providing information on the projected conditions this spring through the fall, beginning with current conditions extending to the end of April, which are colder and wetter than average across the prairies.
“Near the average conditions are expected to redevelop in May. For the remainder of the spring months, we are expecting warmer than average temperatures across much of Canada.”
Early forecasting into the summer months predicts the potential for hotter than normal conditions. Pritchard continues discussing the wildfire season with regard to these predictions, saying they are prepared for an April start.
“Our Type One wildfire crews and Type Two crews have returned or are in the process of being recalled. The SPSA's Emergency Response Team and Emergency Services Officer provided all hazard response to incidents and are ready to respond year-round. Our Air Operations staff have returned for the season and the first air tanker group is already operational.”
He notes that approximately half of all wildfires in the province are started by humans, with lighting responsible for the remainder. As early spring typically doesn’t see much lightening, most wildfires starting now are human-caused.
Pritchard urges everyone to be extremely cautious as conditions continue to dry out and the summer months approach, offering basic safety reminders that will be supplemented with messaging all season long.
“These wildfires are preventable. Don't let your fire go wild. Simple actions like not driving the vehicle on dry grass, drowning campfires until the embers are cool, and talking to young children about fire safety can help reduce the number of fires in Saskatchewan. And also as a reminder, please be aware of any fire bans.”
Information on provincial or R.M. fire bans can be found on the SPSA website. The latest wildfire statistics and information on other emergency incidents like flooding can be found there as well.
He also urges anyone who sees a wildfire or grassfire to immediately call 9-1-1 and mentions the SaskAlert app, which provides real-time emergency alerts and information.