(File photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Ronald Quaroni

Fire Forecast

Saskatchewan wildfires expected to be ‘fairly active this year’

May 7, 2020 | 12:12 PM

While the wildfire season is off to a slow start in the province, it could soon heat up.

A spokesperson with Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is warning the conditions for the next two months are primed for sparks to fly.

“The forecast both nationally and provincially is for a drier May and June. We are expecting a fairly active fire season this year,” Director of Land Operations Scott Wasylenchuk told paNOW. “Any help the public can give us is greatly appreciated.”

He indicated because human causes make up a large portion of the province’s wildfires, prevention can make a big impact.

“Human (caused) fires typically make up about 50 per cent of the yearly totals, but in April and May they make up roughly 90 to 100 per cent because lightning season doesn’t start till late May into June.”

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To date Wasylenchuk noted residents have been doing a good job of limiting fire activity with three active wildfires and a total of 15 fires in the season, well below the five-year average of 71.

He attributed the reduced numbers, up to cold weather that persisted into April and residents staying at home because of COVID-19.

“They’re not camping, they’re not going out into the forest, they’re not doing all the activities that normally would do this time of year,” Wasylenchuk observed.

He noted, wildfires can threaten homes, communities, and force evacuations, something the province does not want anywhere.

With a busier season expected, Wasylenchuk explained several air-tankers are training and on standby. All fire crews excluding the far north, due to snow still being on the ground, are all trained and ready to go.

“We’re there, we’re prepared, and we’ll do our best to minimize any impacts of wildfire,” he said.

Wasylenchuk advised anyone burning 4.5 kms away from or within the provincial forest they need to get a burn notification, which can be obtained from a local forest protection office.

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Ron.Quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni