The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPCA) has issued a provincial fire ban effective immediately for all Crown lands and provincial parks. This affects any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks.

The SPCA says multiple municipalities in the province already have fire bans in place, however due to hot and dry conditions, the agency is encouraging all municipalities to monitor the fire risk in their area.

“We know that this is a popular weekend for camping and outdoor activities, but due to the extreme conditions across the province, implementing a fire ban was a necessary decision,” said SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts in a statement issued Friday morning.

Seventeen wildfires are currently active in the province. Saskatchewan has had 202 wildfires so far in 2021, which is a slight increase of the five-year average of 195.

The SPCA notes that wildfires can be reported by calling 1-800-667-9660, dialing 9-1-1 or contacting their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office. The latest fire risk maps and municipal fire ban map can be found here.