The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately, as a result of the dry, hot conditions and extreme fire risk that is currently covering the majority of northern Saskatchewan.

This ban includes controlled burns, fireworks, and any open fires.

In a press release, SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said the ban is essential for the protection of residents.

"While many people are looking forward to the long weekend, the decision to implement a fire ban is necessary in order to protect lives, communities, major infrastructure and resources from wildfire," he stated.

Currently, there are 28 wildfires actively burning in Saskatchewan. To date, the province has more than double the number of wildfires usually seen at this time of the year.

Many municipalities already have fire bans in place. The SPSA encourages all municipalities to examine the fire risk in their area.