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 are asking the public to take extreme caution to prevent wildfires during this time,” Roberts said in a statement. “This includes being cautious using all-terrain vehicles and to report a fire if they see a fire.”

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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.