REGINA – As the wildfire rages in and around the northeastern Alberta community of Fort McMurray, Saskatchewan is taking its own precautions.
On Thursday, May 5, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sports prohibited all open fires in the Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, Danielson, Douglas and Pike Lake provincial parks. Open fires are also prohibited at surrounding recreation sites.
The provincial government said the restrictions are due to extreme fire hazards across the province.
Fire pits, self-contained portable gas heating devices, barbecues, pressurized stoves and charcoal briquettes are permitted for cooking and heating at the parks discretion.
A fire ban has also been issued in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District as there has been no significant rainfall in the area since the snow has melted. The ban includes all burning and open pit fires.
The district in the northern part of the province includes half of Saskatchewan’s land area. Less than than four per cent of the province’s population, 37,000 live in approximately 45 communities in this area, including municipalities, First Nations reserves and settlements.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Air quality statement for parts of Sask.
The restrictions are in effect until further notice. As of Thursday morning, seven new fires have been reported in Saskatchewan. There are nine active wildfires and there have been 116 wildfires to date.
Travellers are also encouraged to respect road closures, carry a fire extinguisher and not idle their vehicles.
For more information, visit http://www.saskparks.net
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