By Nigel Maxwell

Province rates fire risk as ‘high to extreme’

May 21, 2015 | 7:10 AM

According to the latest report from the provincial ministry of environment, there have already been 163 wild fires this year.

All but two have been started by humans. This number compares with only 85 for the same time last year.

An earlier start to the fire season this year and a cool, wet spring last year are cited by ministry officials as reasons for the difference.

Provincial Fire Centre manager Scott Wasylenchuk told paNOW that the current provincial fire hazard is high to extreme.

“We are looking at very high temperatures, very low RHs (relative humidity), so if anybody is out in the forest we’d really appreciate that they are very careful with forest fires,” he said.

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There are currently 12 wild fires burning in Northern Saskatchewan – one of those fires burning is one near Black Lake which ignited last weekend and grew in size to roughly seven square kilometres or six times the size of Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert. The fire is now contained and the remaining crew on scene is mopping up a few hot spots.

“We still have 34 fire fighters and a helicopter working that fire,” said Wasylenchuk.

Investigators have determined the fire was human caused, but how it specifically started has still not been determined.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Province rates fire risk as ‘high to extreme’

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