The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) warned the public to be wary of fire bans around the province ahead of the August long weekend.
“Folks need to be cognizant of the activities they are carrying out,” said Steve Roberts with the SPSA. “So, be careful with your campfires. Even though we have had scattered rain throughout the area, we could have areas that are dry and susceptible to fire starts.”
Under a ban, no fires are allowed, including fireworks and campfires, even if contained in a fire pit.
Roberts added to keep campfires contained in areas that allow them and make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the site or going to sleep.
The SPSA can restrict open burning in provincial forests, parks and Crown land, but RMs are responsible for their own jurisdictions.
The RM of Vanscoy declared a fire ban as of Tuesday, adding it to a list of 44 RMs under fire bans according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
Fifteen urban municipalities and seven provincial parks are also under bans.
“Only in the most extreme situations would the SPSA consider restricting burning in all rural municipalities,” it reads on their website.
There are currently 54 active fires blazing across the province, bringing the fire total to 370 this year, nearly 60 over the five-year average.
Six are considered uncontained.
An active wildfire map can be found here.