Headed up north for May Long Weekend?

Well, leave your fire starters at home.

Hot and dry conditions leading to an extreme fire risk for most of northern Saskatchewan has resulted in a provincial fire ban put on by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). They issued the ban Tuesday morning just after 11:00 AM for Crown lands, provincial parks, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately. 

This news comes in with many RM's around the province already under a fire ban, and the SPSA encouraging local groups to examine fire risk in their area. The fire ban includes refraining from any open fires, and also controlled burns and fireworks.

"While many people are looking forward to the long weekend, the decision to implement a fire ban is necessary in order to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said.  

Stats show 28 wildfires burning in the province, more than double the number of wildfires usually seen at this time of year according to the government release. 


Fire Ban Issued for Saskatchewan North of Highway 16

People can find the latest fire risk maps and municipal fire ban map at saskpublicsafety.ca.

Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 911 or contact their closest SPSA Response Area office.

Established in 2017, the SPSA is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation responsible for emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, the Civic Addressing Registry, wildfire management and fire safety.