It’s a bit early to predict, but the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is expecting a normal to above normal wildfire season. Spokesperson, Chris Clemett, says there are many factors to consider including how dry the land is, and the amount of heat and wind. Right now the highest risk would be areas in the south which weren’t affected by the spring storms, where it is very dry. Clemett says the risk will continue until it greens up.

About 50 per cent of wildfires are caused by lightning and the other half are human-caused, but at this time of year there is no lightning, so any wildfires or grass fires would be human-caused.
He urges everyone to “fire smart” your home and property. That includes pruning your trees and branches and keeping your yard free of debris.

If you are considering a controlled burn on your land, the SPSA’s Manager of Intelligence and Situational Awareness, suggests knowing the conditions of your land, the weather forecast and whether or not there is a fire ban in your area. Jeanette Krayetski also urges land owners and Rural Municipalities to call the controlled burn line. Otherwise, Krayetski notes that if others notice the smoke, someone could call the fire department, and if they respond and there is no emergency, most will charge the land owner a fee.

If you live within 4.5 kilometres of a provincial forest though, notifying the SPSA is not voluntary. April through October, a Burn Notification Number is required in a provincial forest, on provincial park land or any quarter section within 4.5 kilometres of a provincial forest.

There is one active wildfire in Saskatchewan right now, with 13 to date, as compared to the five year average of 39.