The extremely hot and dry weather has finally resulted in a fire ban in southwest Saskatchewan.
On Tuesday, the provincial government issued a ban on all open fires on provincial Crown land, provincial parks and recreations sites in the southwest.
All open fires are banned in the following areas:
- South of Highway 7 from the Alberta border east to Rosetown
- West of Highway 4 south of the junctions of Highway 4 and 15
- South of Highway 15 west to the junction of Highway 15 and 11
- West of Highway 11 south to Regina
- West of Highway 6 from Regina to the U.S. border
The fire ban applies to all provincial parks and recreation sites in the area, including: Buffalo Pound, Cypress Hills (Centre and West blocks), Danielson, Douglas, Saskatchewan Landing, St. Victor’s Petroglyphs and Wood Mountain Post provincial parks, as well as Elbow Harbour, Coldwell Park, Cypress Lake and Lovering Lake recreation sites.
The province said some roads and campgrounds could be closed due to extreme wildfire hazards and advises people to call the park in advance of visiting. The province said municipalities, as well as regional and national parks, could allow burning so check with the local authority for burning restrictions.
The fire ban prohibits open fires, as well as fireworks. Self-contained heating devices, pressurized stoves, gas barbecues, propane fire pits or charcoal briquettes in an approved firebox are allowed for cooking and heating purposes.
The fire ban will remain in effect until the Ministry of Environment rescinds it due to improved conditions.