The City of Saskatoon says prescribed fires are underway in city parks in Heritage, Lakewood, Hyde, Donna Birkmaier and Gabriel Dumont Parks.

During October and November, in partnership with Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Fire Department, parks staff will start prescribed fires to enhance naturalized areas in Saskatoon parks.

The controlled burn is intended to replicate the natural renewal process of grasslands as well a reduce risk of wildfire. It also has the added benefit of enhancing habitat for wildlife.

If you are walking in these parks when the fires are taking place the city asks you respect the work area and keep dogs leashed.

Timing of the prescribed fires will be determined by weather and wind conditions and residents will be notified via the City’s service alerts and social media channels.

For the web:

The following can be expected during and after a prescribed fire:

Small areas of land are burned during a fire, so only portions of a park are blackened at any given time
Shrubs and trees are not burned and therefore are not negatively impacted
Vigorous new growth occurs following a fire (in a matter of weeks in the spring), which is appreciated by wildlife
The reduction in accumulated dead plant material provides protection against accidental wildfires
Smoke is present for the duration of the fire but dissipates rather quickly once the fire is over
For more information on the City’s prescribed fire program, visit saskatoon.ca/prescribedfires.