The Government of Saskatchewan is urging residents, farmers and landowners to take extra precaution to prevent wildfire and grass-fire during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read what two local fire chiefs had to say on fire season in west central, here. 

In the west central area over the past few weeks, some minor to major blazes have occurred. The RM of Cut Knife, RM of Tramping Lake along with the Town of Biggar have saw fire bans put into place, as almost every RM in the west central area followed suit since.

“Every year, wildfires and grass-fires threaten Saskatchewan communities and property,” Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency President Marlo Pritchard said. “During these extraordinary times, it’s critical that people take every precaution possible to prevent fire.”

Simple measures like making sure a cigarette is completely out, and teaching your kids not to play with fire are things that can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing fire outbreaks. With the threat of wildfire facing the province once again this year, anyone planning to burn within 4.5 km of a provincial forest is reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans and to obtain approval from their nearest wildfire base.

Producers around the province often use controlled burns on their property, and are being reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans, and fireproof their property. If someone is planning on creating a controlled burn, they must contact their local RM to ensure there is no fire ban, and report the controlled burn at the Control Burn line at 1-866-404-4911.

“As the provincial agency responsible for fire safety and wild-land fire management, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has taken extra measures to ensure we can protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan,” Pritchard says.

"The fires that are allowed are ones in approved fire pits," said Eston Fire Chief Richard Baran.

Baran says there is information at the town office, and its been out for quite a few years on the size and description for what kind of fire pit you can have.