Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency wants communities to take precautions
Open fires, controlled burns and fireworks were banned as of noon Thursday for Crown lands, provincial parks, recreation sites, the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District and all land within 4.5 kilometres of provincial forest boundaries.
“We are making the decision to implement a fire ban to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire,” SPSA operations vice-president Steve Roberts said in a media 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.”
There have been heat and air warnings throughout most of the week, caused partially by high humidity plus forest-fire smoke being blown into Saskatchewan from Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
With nearly half of Saskatchewan’s wildfires in the province caused by human activity and likely to start in accessible areas, the SPSA encouraged communities to examine their fire risk and consider implementing similar bans.
As of 8 a.m. Thursday there were 73 wildfires burning in the province. Saskatchewan has had 302 wildfires this season, 91 more than the five-year average of 211.
Wildfires can be reported by calling 1-800-667-9660, dialing 9-1-1 or contacting an SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
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