The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is modifying the provincial fire ban issued on July 11, effective 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17. This adjustment applies to all Crown lands, provincial parks, recreation sites, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District north of the provincial forest boundary, including the 4.5 km burn notification area.

South of Prince Albert, the decision to implement fire bans will be up to individual municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities, and parks. “Each provincial park in the southern part of the province will continue to work with the SPSA to determine risk and implement campfire restrictions if required,” said Laura Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport. “We encourage all residents and visitors to remain diligent in preventing human-caused fires in all areas of Saskatchewan.”

As of 8 a.m. on July 17, there are 95 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has recorded 367 wildfires, significantly higher than the five-year average of 248.

Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman noted, “While we are modifying the current fire ban, the situation is dependent on weather, temperature, soil conditions, and overall fire risk. People need to be aware of, and adhere to, all fire bans and burning restrictions placed by municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities, and regional parks.”

Residents who spot a wildfire should call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1, or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office. The latest fire risk maps, fire prevention tips, and an interactive fire ban map are available at saskpublicsafety.ca.