A fire ban has been issued for all crown lands, provincial parks, recreation areas, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District due to hot, dry conditions in the province, effective at noon on July 11, 2024.
The ban, which covers any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks, also includes all land within 4.5 km of the provincial forest boundary.
“We are making the decision to implement a fire ban to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “We are asking the public to take extreme caution to prevent wildfires during this time. This includes being cautious using all-terrain vehicles and to report a fire if they see a fire.”
All other municipalities, rural municipalities and communities are to examine the fire risk in their area and to consider implementing consistent fire bans to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires. Nearly half of the wildfires in the province are caused by human activity and usually start in accessible areas near communities and roads.
As of 8 a.m. July 11, there are 73 wildfires burning in the province.
Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
People can find the latest fire risk maps, fire prevention tips and an interactive fire ban map at saskpublicsafety.ca.
(Screenshot of the SPSA wild fire map, July 11, 2024)