If you plan on camping this weekend, be advised that the province of Saskatchewan is now under a fire ban.
Due to hot, dry conditions and an extreme fire risk that covers most of the province, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.
The ban, effective immediately, includes any open fires, controlled burns, and fireworks.
Some individual municipalities already have fire bans in place.
"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," SPSA vice-president of operations Steve Roberts said.
There are currently 18 wildfires burning in the province. Thus far, Saskatchewan has had 202 wildfires. The five-year average is 195.
If you see a wildfire you can report it by calling 1-800-667-9660, dialling 9-1-1, or contacting the closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
More information on fire bans can be found on the government’s website.
