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The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency lifted its provincial fire ban on Wednesday morning, saying conditions have improved and reduced the risk posed by wildfires.
The ban included open fires, controlled burns and fireworks, as well as use of ATVs and UTVs, which can spark fires when hot exhaust pipes come into contact with dry grass. The fire ban covered a large portion of the province, stretching from the Manitoba border to North Battleford and Green Lake, along with Crown land, provincial parks and recreational sites.
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But while the ban has been lifted, the agency noted that municipalities, RMs and provincial parks may have their own fire bans in place. An interactive map of fire bans in the province can be found on the agency’s website.
The public safety agency noted a few steps residents can take to reduce the risk of wildfires.
“In Saskatchewan, human-caused wildfires typically start in accessible areas near communities and roads,” the agency said in a statement.
“Simple actions like not driving a vehicle on dry grass, drowning campfires until embers are cool and talking to young children about fire safety can make an impact on the number of fires in Saskatchewan.”
The agency listed 12 active wildfires on its website as of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, three of which are not contained. Saskatchewan has seen 96 wildfires so far this season, the agency said, which is well below the 228 fires seen by this time last year and the five-year average of 165.
“Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office,” the public safety agency advised.
Red Earth evacuees returning home
The improved wildfire conditions also allowed residents evacuated from the Red Earth Cree Nation to return home this week.
The Cree nation northeast of Nipawin was evacuated on May 30 after a wildfire in the area began to threaten travel on Highway 55. Some residents left in their own vehicles, while others boarded charter buses that took them to temporary accommodations in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.
The message from the nation’s chief and council said those who used their own vehicles during the evacuation were welcome to head home on Tuesday, while charter buses are set to depart from the evacuation centres at 11 a.m. to bring back the remaining residents.
“We would like to thank all community members for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout this evacuation,” the announcement read.
“We also extend our gratitude to the emergency responders, support staff, volunteers, leadership, and our program managers who assisted in ensuring the safety and well-being of our members.”
