The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is expanding its provincial fire ban due to recently changing conditions.
As of yesterday, the fire ban now includes the following areas:
- All vacant Crown land
- Provincial parks located within the provincial forest
- The provincial forest, including the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District
The ban, when first placed earlier this month, covered the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River.
The new fire ban will prohibit any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the areas listed above.
"An extreme fire risk exists across most of the province," said SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts. "The majority of the active fires in the province are caused by human activity. It is important for everyone to know that human-caused fires are preventable."
The majority of human-caused wildfires in Saskatchewan tend to start in accessible areas, such as near communities and roadways. The SPSA reminds people not to drive a vehicle on dry gas, drown campfires until the members are cool, and talk to young children about fire safety to keep Saskatchewan safe.
Municipalities, Rural Municipalities, and communities are encouraged by the SPSA to examine their local fire risk and consider putting out their own fire bans in their areas.
At the time of the SPSA's release, there were 20 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 200 wildfires, which is 36 more than the same point in time last year of 164. The wildfire 5-year average in Saskatchewan to date is 123.
Anyone who spots a wildfire is asked to call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca, with a list of fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites found here.