(Wildfire file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Fire ban

Provincial fire ban issued following hot dry weather

Jul 11, 2024 | 1:05 PM

A fire ban has been issued for all crown lands, provincial parks/recreation areas and the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.

The ban means that open fires, controlled burns and fireworks are prohibited with the ban extending to all land within 4.5 kms of the provincial forest boundary.

A screenshot of wildfires in Saskatchewan as of July 11. (screenshot/SPSA)

“We are making the decision to implement a fire ban to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said in a news release.

“We are asking the public to take extreme caution to prevent wildfires during this time. This includes being cautious using all-terrain vehicles and to report a fire if they see a fire.”

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At the same time as the ban was issued at noon on July 11, there were 74 active wildfires in Saskatchewan, all in the northern parts of the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 302 wildfires, which is 91 more than the five-year average of 211 .

Of the active fires, 21 are not contained.

Weather warnings continue

A heat warning from Environment Canada still blankets the majority of the province. An upper level ridge has settled over the prairies resulting in clear skies and extreme daytime temperatures along with warm overnight lows. Forecasters say daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius and overnight low temperatures of roughly 15 degrees Celsius will persist through Thursday. Temperatures will moderate by the end of the week and into the weekend.

An area between La Ronge and Wollaston Lake in northern Saskatchewan is also under a severe thunderstorm watch. Thursday afternoon thunderstorms are expected to develop and move to the east or southeast through the evening. Some of the storms may produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

In addition to the heat and storm warnings, an air quality advisory has also been issued for much of the north. Environment Canada said wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com