A provincial fire ban in northern Saskatchewan has been expanded due to extreme fire hazards. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport issued a restriction on all open fires in Lac La Ronge provincial park and Missinipe recreation site.
The latest bans are in addition to ones issued Tuesday for the northwestern forest area, including Makwa Lake, Meadow Lake and Steele Narrows provincial parks along with a number of recreational sites.
Under the fire ban, no open fires or fireworks are permitted and any burn notification numbers are revoked.
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The use of self-contained portable gas heating devices and fire pits, barbecues, pressurized stoves and charcoal briquettes will be allowed at the discretion of park personnel for the duration of the ban.
Wet and cooler weather in southern parts of the province is having the reverse effect. Fire bans that had been issued for Blackstrap, Pike Lake, Buffalo Pound, Danielson and Douglas provincial parks have now been lifted.
The RMs of Corman Park, Vanscoy and Montrose, including Asquith, Dalmeny, Delisle, Donavon, Pike Lake and Vanscoy have also lifted its fire bans.
Officials are asking travellers and outdoor enthusiasts to help with fire suppression efforts by respecting any road closures, carrying a fire extinguisher and avoiding any unnecessary idling.