Photo by Kamika Riese, courtesy of Facebook, Tammy Cook-Searson.
A spokesperson for Environment Canada says the 2016 fire season in northern Saskatchewan should be less severe than what was experienced in 2015.
Senior Climatologist David Phillips says soil moisture conditions are better than they were last year at this time, in spite of the above-average temperatures so far this year and below-average snowfall. Phillips credits the rainfall received in September and October, which was about 40 per cent more this year than the year before, for the increase in water stored below the surface.
He also says it would be unusual to experience two record fire seasons, back to back.
“In my business you never forecast records, it would surprise me greatly if the amount of precipitation in this coming spring is equal or less than what we saw last year.”
Phillips adds, “my sense is the situation, while it is of concern – and I’m sure that forest fire fighters are watching it, farmers are looking, they’re not praying and begging yet – but clearly it is a situation that provides a little bit more optimism than what we had this time last year.”
For the southern half of the province the soil moisture situation is much the same.
Phillips says a couple of good snowfalls this winter would make a big difference, and one good soaking, percolating spring rain can extinguish any situation with regards to the forest.