A pair of rural municipalities near Wilkie are now under fire bans, as warm temperatures, gusty winds and dry conditions ramp up the risk of wildfires in West Central Saskatchewan.
Deputy Fire Chief Craig Sittler with the Wilkie and District Fire Department said Thursday that both the RM of Buffalo and the RM of Tramping Lake have implemented fire bans until conditions improve.
“This time of year, grass fires are fairly common,” Sittler said in an interview. “The grass hasn’t greened up at all, and the ground moisture isn’t getting into the plants, so the dead grass is fairly susceptible to lighting on fire.”
Sittler said fire departments are often called to blazes sparked by vehicle exhausts in dry grass, and even simple acts like throwing a cigarette butt out a window can result in a fast-moving fire. With recent daytime highs near 30 C and strong spring winds, he described the situation as a “perfect recipe” for grass fires.
Anyone caught violating a fire ban could face more than just a scorched patch of land.
“Your risk is a lot higher to have your fire get out of control,” Sittler said. “And if that happens, the fire department will be responding—and you’ll be on the hook for the cost of that response.”
Residents are urged to avoid all burning, be mindful of machinery near dry grass, and call 911 immediately if a fire is spotted.
With public safety top of mind, the Wilkie Fire Department will also be conducting fire prevention education with local schools later this month. Sittler said firefighters will run fire-fit activities and safety sessions, using a trailer borrowed from the Kindersley Fire Department to demonstrate equipment and drills.
“It’s a great way to engage with the students and show them what we do—and how they can help prevent fires too,” he said.
More information about the school events will be released closer to the date.