The province is issuing a fire ban that covers all of Northern Saskatchewan. This ban is effective immediately and includes any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks.

“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,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said.  The ban is also implemented in provincial parks and Crown Lands

 The Sask. Public Safety Agency is advising people to avoid the Besnard Lake area. Officials warn a fast-moving fire is intensely burning, which is posing a threat to the only access road to the Lake.

There are currently 28 wildfires burning in the province. So far this season, Saskatchewan has reported double the fire activity compared to this time last year.