Province issues fire ban due to hot, dry conditions across Sask.

The Government of Saskatchewan has issued a fire ban due to the hot, dry conditions the province has seen in recent days.

According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the recent heat means that fire activity and risk of fires are both high at the moment. As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, 73 wildfires were burning around the province. Saskatchewan has seen 302 wildfires this season, well above the five-year average of 211.

The ban, which takes effect at noon on July 11, applies to all Crown lands and provincial parks in Saskatchewan, all land within 4.5 kilometres of a provincial forest boundary, provincial recreation sites, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.

Steve Roberts, the agency’s vice president of operations, said the fire ban is necessary to protect major infrastructure, communities and lives.

“We really do not have additional capacity to take on unwanted fires that may start due to carelessness or negligence,” he said.

Roberts said all Saskatchewan crews fighting fires outside of the province have returned, with the exception of 21 firefighters in the Northwest Territories.

“The conditions in the forest at this time are extremely volatile, extremely dry, and the risk of ignition is high,” he said.

Roberts said a request for airtankers through national partners has been issued.

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The province also encouraged municipalities to issue their own fire bans.

“In Saskatchewan, nearly half of the wildfires in the province are caused by human activity and usually start in accessible areas near communities and roads,” the agency added.

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

More information on wildfire activity and fire risks in the province can be found on the agency’s website.