The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is reminding people that we’re not out of the woods of wildfire season just yet.
That’s despite fewer wildfires than normal, as 320 total fires have burned in the province, just above the 5-year average of 319.
As of today (Fri), 6 fires are active, including 5 under ongoing assessment and 1 that is contained.
“The southwest corner of the province is still under extreme risk of grass fires,” SPSA President Marlo Pritchard said. “It’s critical that residents take every precaution to prevent wildfires as we near the end of the wildfire season, which could last until October.”
A provincial map of fire bans show several are in effect in R.M.s around the southwest region. There are none currently in the east-central region.
The SPSA says while there have been fewer wildfires than normal this year, residents are reminded to take extra care to prevent wildfires.
Tips include:
- Check for fire bans in your area before lighting any fire.
- Float and stir campfire coals.
- Avoid driving through or parking on dry grass. A vehicle’s exhaust can reach a temperature of more than 538 degrees Celsius (1,000 degrees Fahrenheit). It only takes about 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) to start a fire.
- Don’t use machines or tools that may cause sparks during dry conditions. If you must use a tool such as a grinder, wet down your working area and have a fire extinguisher handy.
- Teach your children not to play with fire or matches. Fire can spread quickly.
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches correctly. Don’t throw them out of a vehicle.
If you need to burn grass, bush piles or stubble on your property:
- Do not plan a controlled burn if there is a fire ban in your municipality.
- Call 1-866-404-4911 before you start your controlled burn.
- Have fire guards in place around the area where you wish to burn.
- Pay attention to the weather. Most grass fires and wildfires start during hot, dry and windy conditions. Don’t burn in these weather conditions.
- Reduce ignition sources. It’s possible to unintentionally start a fire in dry conditions.
- Have access to hoses, fire extinguishers and a water source before you begin your controlled burn.
- By reporting controlled burns in advance, you’ll avoid dispatching firefighters unnecessarily.
- If you plan to burn in a provincial forest, in park land, or any quarter section wholly or partly within 4.5 km of a provincial forest during the wildfire season, from April 1 to October 31, you must get a Burn Notification Number.
