Dry surface conditions, combined with several days of higher-than-average temperatures in early April, triggered several fire bans, and at least one fire advisory, in rural municipalities (RMs) in the region.
The RM of Corman Park instituted a fire ban late last week in the wake of a massive wildfire southeast of Saskatoon April 9 and 10 that burned nearly 200 hectares (494 acres).
The RM of Blucher, also partially in response to that fire, implemented a fire ban on Wednesday, April 10.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) and Clavet Volunteer Fire Department were called to the wildfire, located halfway between Saskatoon and Clavet near the junction of Highway 16 and Range Road 3041 shortly after noon on April 9. A news release from the SFD at the time said when fire crews arrived on scene, they found a controlled burn had gotten out of control. The fire spread rapidly, and firefighters used multiple hose lines and grassland fire trucks to battle the blaze. The crews fought the fire through the night and remained on scene during the morning of April 10 to fully extinguish hot spots.
The Corman Park website notice stated that the fire ban for the municipality went into effect Friday, April 12, and will be in place until further notice.
“All fires within the R.M. are banned,” stated the notice. “This requires all outdoor fires presently burning to be extinguished and the lighting of any outdoor fires is prohibited. This ban includes fire pits, burning barrels, controlled burns, and fireworks, with the only exceptions being internal household fireplaces and gas-fueled equipment such as a propane barbecue or propane fire pit.
“If you should see a fire, or someone contravening this Fire Ban, please call one of the below numbers as soon as its safe to do so.
* Corman Park Bylaw Officer – (306) 361 – 2033
* Corman Park Police Department – (306) 242 – 8808
* Corman Park Admin Office – (306) 242-9303
Other area RMs that have implemented fire bans, as of April 15, include: the RM of Montrose, RM of Redberry, RM of Fish Creek and RM of Hoodoo.
The RM of Vanscoy, as of April 15, has not implemented a full fire ban, but has issued a Fire Advisory, effective April 8.
According to the Delisle and District Fire Department social media page, a Fire Advisory means: “open burning in the Municipality is not recommended due to dry conditions. It is recommended Agriculture and Industrial operations have water tanks filled and at their disposal at all times. Ratepayers will be advised to use extreme caution when burning or using fireworks and have a plan to extinguish a fire and prevent wildfires.”
Because conditions change from day to day, residents are advised to check their RM municipal website daily to keep posted on whether a fire ban has been implemented.
Residents looking to begin a controlled burn in an RM that does not have a current fire ban in place are advised to contact the Provincial Controlled Burn Line (Provincial Emergency Communications Centre) at 1-866-404-4911 prior to burning.