Saskatchewan expands provincial fire ban as wildfire season heats up

Saskatchewan's Public Safety Agency has expanded its fire ban as the provincial wildfire season worsens. (Source: saskpublicsafety.ca)

Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has expanded its provincial fire ban as wildfires continue to pop up in the province’s north.

As of May 26, the fire ban now includes all vacant Crown land, provincial parks located within a provincial forest and the provincial forest – which includes the northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.

The ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundaries.

“An extreme fire risk exists across most of the province,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “The majority of the active fires in the province are caused by human activity. It is important for everyone to know that human-caused fires are preventable.”

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According to the province, human-caused fires typically start in accessible areas near communities and roads. Actions such as not driving on dry grass, drowning campfires until the embers are cool and talking to children about fire safety can make an impact.

Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

The decision comes as the Shoe and Camp fires threaten the resort village of Candle Lake.

As of Tuesday, there are 21 active wildfires in the province. Ten are considered not contained, five are the subject of ongoing assessment, protecting property is priority of one fire while five are contained.

A total of 205 wildfires have been reported since the beginning of the 2025 fire season.