The Government of Saskatchewan is urging residents, farmers and landowners to take extra precaution to prevent wildfire and grassfire during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every year, wildfires and grassfires threaten Saskatchewan communities and property,” Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency President Marlo Pritchard said. “During these extraordinary times, it’s critical that people take every precaution possible to prevent fire.”
Even simple measures, like making sure a cigarette is completely out or teaching children not to play with fire, can make a huge difference in preventing fires. With the threat of wildfire facing the province once again this year, anyone planning to burn within 4.5 km of a provincial forest is reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans and to obtain approval from their nearest wildfire base.
Producers around the province are also being reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans and fireproof their property. Anyone planning to burn should consult the local RM Office to verify that no municipal fire ban is in place and call the Control Burn line at 1-866-404-4911.
“As the provincial agency responsible for fire safety and wildland fire management, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has taken extra measures to ensure we can protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan,” Pritchard said.
Extra precautions being taken include increased COVID-19 mitigation actions, adjusting training to reduce the risk to staff, and increasing fire prevention awareness across the province.
To learn more about the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency visit www.saskatchewan.ca/spsa.
TIPS FOR SAFE BURNS
As a farmer, there are times when you have no choice but to start a controlled fire to burn things like windrows, grass, stubble and piles, but caution is required.
Before you burn, please consult your local RM Office to verify no municipal fire ban is in place for your area.
Call to report your activity to the Control Burn line at 1-866-404-4911. If you plan to burn within 4.5 km of a provincial forest, please call your local wildfire base.
Dry grass, grain/hay fields and pastureland
Reducing dry grass, hay and stubble will help prevent a yard fire from spreading, or stop a fire from entering your yard.
Burn barrels and fire pits
Never leave your burn barrel or fire pit unattended when not in use.
Windrows
Avoid building windrows on swamps/bogs and use a brush rake or excavator to reduce the amount of dirt in the rows.
Grass and stubble
Blade or plow down to mineral soil, at least five metres around your burn, to create a guard that keeps the fire from spreading.
Piles
Burn when there is no snow cover and frozen ground, whenever possible — and always re-pile and re-burn, if necessary, until the pile is completely gone.
When to burn
The early mid-morning or late afternoon is your best time to burn.
When not to burn
Do not burn under extremely dry conditions, at the end of the day, or when the forecast calls for high temperatures, low humidity or windy conditions
Mow your lawn
Short, green grass can help prevent the spread of grass fires.
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