(submitted photo/SPSA website)

By Susan McNeil

Fire bans

Fire bans in place as first hot weekend starts

May 3, 2025 | 8:00 AM

The temperatures will be soaring this weekend, but a lot of central Saskatchewan residents are going to have to do without their summer staple firepit.

Fire bans are in place across most of the middle belt of the province, thanks to dry grass and no rain.

Some municipalities near Prince Albert began enacting bans last weekend, but more have joined.

The western R.M. of Mervin, Parkdale, Medstead, Spiritwood, Wilton, Parkdale, Battle River, Round Valley, Eye Hill, Heart’s Hill, Tramping Lake, Corman Park, and Bayne have all enacted bans in the last week.

Further east, the R.M. of Barrier Valley and Kelvington have bans, while north central municipalities, such as the R.M. of Garden River, are also joining in.

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The Foam Lake Fire Department notified people on Friday afternoon that they will be recommending a fire ban in the three R.M.’s they cover.

Not yet included on the SPSA website that tracks bans, is the one issued by the RM of Torch River, west of Nipawin. Most municipalities post their fire bans on their social media sites as do their fire departments, for those looking for the most up-to-date information.

Near Prince Albert, the leadership of Beardy’s & Okemasis is warning people that anyone starting fires will be held responsible for all costs of fighting the fires.

So far, towns, cities and villages have not announced fire bans, but with hot and sunny temperatures, people should keep an eye out for changes.

Temperatures in Prince Albert are expected to hit as high as 28 degrees Saturday and Sunday.

As of Friday, there were four active fires in the province, and there have been 73 this year so far. One of the four wildfires is not contained.

By comparison, last year at the same time saw 99, and the five-year average is 42.

According to the SPSA website, people violating provincial fire bans can face a fine of up to $500,000 per day or up to three years in jail. Violators can also be liable for the cost of fighting any resulting wildfires.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social