As the days continue to warm with a rapid snow melt, Provincial Fire Commissioner Duane McKay is reminding residents to be extremely cautious when outdoors not to inadvertently start a wildfire.
McKay says the quick change in weather over the past few weeks makes conditions extremely dry.
“We’re making sure that people are aware that this is a typical time, when people after a very long cold winter will get out and interact in the more remote areas,” said McKay. “So, extreme caution needs to take place in these areas.”
The daily wildfire danger rating map indicates the north is a low to high-risk for a potential forest fire. One area that is already drawing forest fire officials attention is the Pelican Narrows fire, which continues to burn. McKay says that fire is difficult to action due to the terrain, but that that area will be monitored.
“What we’ve seen in the north and around Pelican Narrows are a lot of bog area, and the fires that are burning are within that,” said McKay. “Those are very difficult to action and will probably burn for many years. Certainly there will be a fire watch in that area.”
As for the north, the fire danger rating is low, but McKay expects that to change in the coming weeks.
“Right now, as we stand today, the risk in the far north is low. This is very early in the spring and certainly drying conditions, weather conditions, wind, precipitation — that we get over the next little while, will increase that risk,” said McKay.
If you do see a forest fire, report it immediately.
(PHOTO: Fire map. Photo courtesy of environment.gov.sk.ca)