Saskatchewan’s provincial fire ban has been lifted following recent rainfall and cooler weather, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The agency announced the removal of the ban on Friday, July 26, at noon CST, citing reduced fire risks in northern Saskatchewan’s forests due to precipitation as reported by Yahoo News Canada.
The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) provides valuable data on fire history, current conditions, and fire weather accessible through their data portal. This information helps the agency determine when fire bans are necessary and when they can be safely lifted.
Steve Roberts, SPSA vice-president of operations, explained the decision, stating, “I removed the ban because we had some broad-based precipitation that came over the northern third of the province and reduced the hazards.”
“Fire numbers started to come down a little bit. So the combination meant that we could remove the fire ban because now we had capacity, should a new fire start, to deal with it. But also some of the other fires were getting contained and managed because of the weather change,” Steve added.
The fire ban had previously been in effect across all Crown lands, provincial parks, and provincial recreation sites located north of the provincial forest boundary, as well as in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. However, it’s important to note that despite the lifting of the provincial ban, local authorities may still impose their own fire restrictions as outlined in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks Policies.
For those planning to enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to adhere to campfire regulations. Roberts emphasized the importance of responsible fire practices: “Have campfires where they’re allowed. Make sure they’re fully extinguished before you leave the campsite. Make sure there’s always somebody monitoring it.”
He also cautioned against having fires in remote areas of the forest, advising, “Don’t have a sort of a spot break where you might have a smoke or a small fire in a remote part of the forest. They should be in controlled areas where there’s a fire pit or a clear spot.”
Recent wildfires have had a significant impact on camping in Saskatchewan parks, with some sites forced to close due to fire activity. As of Tuesday afternoon, the SPSA reported 86 active wildfires in the province, with 12 considered out of control, 11 contained, and 42 being monitored regularly as shown on the SPSA Active Incidents page. The agency continues to monitor and manage these fires, taking action to protect cabins and infrastructure where necessary.
Despite the current reprieve, Roberts warned that fire bans could be reinstated if conditions warrant. “So could a fire ban happen again? Yes, if the conditions merit that. If the conditions don’t, we won’t put one in,” he explained. “I mean, we’ll continue with our prevention messaging, advising people to be cautious. A fire ban is kind of the last straw where we kind of have to say, ‘Absolutely not, under any circumstances.'”
To help residents and visitors stay informed and prepared, the SPSA has developed Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Plans. These plans provide detailed information on legal obligations and effective methods for mitigating wildfire risks available on the SPSA website.
The agency reminds the public to take precautions such as checking for local fire bans, properly extinguishing campfires, and avoiding activities that may cause sparks during dry conditions. These measures are crucial in preventing wildfires and protecting Saskatchewan’s natural resources. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts can stay updated on current fire conditions and bans by regularly checking the SPSA website and local park information channels.
