Complete fire ban issued for RM of Vanscoy amid wildfire concerns

A complete fire ban is in effect across the Rural Municipality of Vanscoy.

The municipal order, which took effect on Tuesday morning, prohibits all forms of open flame, including agricultural and commercial burning, fireworks, fire pits, burning barrels and incinerators. The ban applies to all lands within the RM of Vanscoy, located southwest of Saskatoon, and will remain in effect until further notice.

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“Until we get some green growth growing again, its too risky to have any fires going,” said Leonard Junop, reeve of the RM of Vanscoy. “We don’t want any loss of life, or loss of property either.”

The RM’s fire ban follows a large grass fire reported Monday afternoon near Christiansen Road and Highway 60 (Pike Lake Road).

The Corman Park Police Service confirmed that fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control.

“It was a controlled burn that got out of control,” Junop said. “The grass is dried right out now.”

No structures were touched by the fire, but some hay bales were destroyed.

Permitted exceptions

Residents are permitted to use CSA and UL-approved appliances such as liquid-fuel barbecues, fire tables and camp stoves while the ban is in effect.

“Anyone found in contravention of the fire ban will be subject to fines as set out in the municipal bylaw,” the RM warned in a statement issued Monday.

The fire ban does not apply to the Town of Delisle, the Village of Vanscoy or Pike Lake Provincial Park.

“Until otherwise notified, until we see some green growth coming to slow down the danger, it will be in effect,” noted Junop.

“Just be really careful. This time of the year it can get out of hand very quickly, especially if it happens to be a hot windy day.”