(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Fire ban changes

Fire ban changed for Crown land

Jul 17, 2024 | 10:04 AM

Starting today, a fire ban affecting Crown lands in Saskatchewan will be modified slightly.

The ban will stay in effect for all Crown land, provincial parks/recreation areas and the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.

The ban will apply to areas north of the provincial forest boundary and will extend 4.5 km from the boundary.

“In general, south of Prince Albert, it will be up to individual municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities, and parks to determine if a fire ban is required,” said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Association in a news release on July 17.

That is all dependent on weather of course, so people wanting to be outdoors with a fire need to keep an eye on the situation.

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It’s a situation that looks to change rapidly with Environment Canada heat warnings covering the Canadian northwest, including almost all of Saskatchewan except the central and southeast quadrants.

A screenshot of the Western Canada heat warning that includes most of Saskatchewan. (website/Env. Canada)

In Prince Albert, no rain is in the forecast and by next Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to reach 34 C.

“Each provincial park in the southern part of the province will continue to work with the SPSA to determine risk and implement campfire restrictions if required,” Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross said. “We encourage all residents and visitors to remain diligent in preventing human-caused fires in all areas of Saskatchewan.”

As of 8 a.m. on July 17, there were 95 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 367 wildfires, which is 119 more than the five-year average of 248.

“While we are modifying the current fire ban, the situation is dependent on weather, temperature, soil conditions and overall fire risk,” said Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman. “People need to be aware of, and adhere to, all fire bans and burning restrictions placed by municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities and regional parks.”

Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

People can find the latest fire risk maps, fire prevention tips and an interactive fire ban map at saskpublicsafety.ca.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com