Due to extreme fire hazards in Saskatchewan, the province is issuing a ban on all open fires in several provincial parks.
Those include Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, Danielson, Douglas, and Pike Lake Parks, along with the surrounding recreation sites. Self-contained portable gas heating devices and fire pits, barbecues and other fires used for cooking may be allowed at the discretion of the park. Visit www.saskparks.net for more.
The province is also notifying the public that because of extremely dry conditions within the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, there is a fire ban that includes all burning or open pit fires. That district essentially includes Prince Albert National Park and everything north.
In all, 10 wildfires were burning Thursday in northern Saskatchewan and all but one is said to be contained according to emergency and fire personnel within the Ministry of Government Relations.
What is Saskatchewan doing to help Alberta?
In terms of what Saskatchewan is doing to help Alberta, Premier Brad Wall issued this statement Thursday afternoon.
The RCMP in Saskatchewan confirm they have a number of officers on standby to relieve their counterparts in Alberta if needed. They are ready to help, but so far no requests have come in.
The province said it is up to municipal fire departments to make the decision to go to Alberta to help. Fire fighters with Regina Fire Services are also ready and waiting to help if they are needed, but so far they have not got the call to go.