LA RONGE — The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a fire ban for a large portion of the province due to current conditions and the extreme fire risk in Saskatchewan.
SPSA Minister Michael Weger said in a press conference on May 29 from the Forest Fire Management Centre in La Ronge that the ban will encompass a large portion of central and southern Saskatchewan. The SPSA will put out a map on its website outlining the areas.
"This fire ban includes provincial parks and provincial recreation sites within the boundary," he said. "The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary and this fire ban also prohibits the use of ATVs and UTVs in the provincial forest with the exception of bona fide commercial operators. The ban also includes all lands within the districts including but not limited to resort subdivisions, northern settlements, entitled and leased properties within the fire ban area."
The ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires, Weger pointed out.
"The primary cause of wildfires at this time of year is human activity," Weger said. "We strongly remind the public that human-caused fires are preventable. In Saskatchewan, human-caused wildfires typically start in accessible areas near communities and roads. So we encourage people to take simple actions like not driving a vehicle on dry grass, drowning campfires until embers are cool and talking to young children about fire safety. The SPSA encourages all other municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to examine fire risks in their area and to consider implementing consistent fire bans to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires."
He also discussed concerns with the Lobstick fire, located southwest of Saskatoon.
"The fire is currently reaching the size of 13,000 hectares," Weger said. "This fire was reported on the afternoon of May 26 and the SPSA dispatched crews to the fire within 20 minutes. I also want to express my concern to the individuals that have been evacuated due to this fire, lost property, and also my concern to those impacted in the forestry industry that are facing lost revenues."
SPSA crews have been working alongside local fire departments and SPSA emergency response team members in response to this fire.
"Additional resources including heavy equipment, helicopter, and air tanker support have been actioned to this fire for multiple days," Weger said. "Multiple dozer guards have been established and some crews continue to set up sprinkler units which we call value protection units. We will continue working on further updates on this fire as this event proceeds."
Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 911, or contact their closest SPSA forest protection area office. They can also find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.
