Local rural municipalities are being proactive ahead of the first hot weekend of the year.
Two fire bans were applied in the northern part of west-central Saskatchewan to end April. The first one was activated April 28 in the RM of Buffalo, and then another one was activated to the west inside the RM of Round Valley on April 29.
Sunshine is bringing highs approaching +30 degrees Friday and Saturday, and with things still dry after the winter the RMs are likely worried about extra vulnerable fields. Many farmers have begun activity in the fields ahead of seeding, as outside of flames sparking a field blaze, hot exhausts, and cigarette butts being thrown out the window remain a hazard this time of year.
Preparedness is key with the start of wildfire season here, and across Canada on Saturday is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. Fire departments are already on alert on the east side of the province, as on Wednesday morning near Melville a large-scale grass fire created heavy smoke for crews to contend with, crews on scene for over five hours before eventually returning to service shortly after 5:00 PM.
Find the updated fire ban map for Saskatchewan HERE.