Fire ban issued for the City of Regina

The City of Regina has imposed a fire ban within city limits as of 5 p.m. Friday.

Fuel burning fire pits that use wood, manufactured fire logs and/or charcoal are banned. However, residents are allowed to use propane or natural gas fire pits and barbeques.

“Why natural gas fire pits and barbeques are allowed is because the flame is contained in a burner box, it does not give off embers and it’s deemed safe,” said Regina fire marshall Randy Ryba.

Ryba added that the ban was issued due to the increase in dry, falling leaves, the lack of moisture and the city’s overall drought-like conditions.

He said the dry weather has also caused a number of grass fires around Regina lately, including two in the city’s south end last Sunday.

Smokers are reminded to dispose of cigarette butts in a metal container that’s partially filled with sand or gravel — rather than flower pots, planters or plastic containers. Ryba also encourages smokers to never throw their butts out moving vehicle windows as it’s a “recipe for disaster.”

This is the first time the City of Regina has imposed a fire ban within city limits. Ryba said many other surrounding communities and rural municipalities are also under a ban, including Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

It’s unclear how long Regina’s fire ban will be in effect.