Saskatchewan lifts fire ban for far north amid wildfire battles

CTV News

a day ago

A fire ban sign is seen in this undated photo. (City of Vaughan)
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has lifted the provincial fire ban thanks to improved conditions in the province's far north.
Officials are set to provide an update on the provincial wildfire response. That news conference will be streamed live at the top of this article at 1:30 p.m.
The change became official at 11 p.m. Wednesday, while the SPSA made the announcement early Thursday morning.
The ban affected all Crown lands located north of the provincial forest boundary to the Churchill River – along with the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.
Provincial parks and municipalities may have their own local fire bans or restrictions in place, the agency reminded the public.
A full list can be found here.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, there are 79 active wildfires. Six are considered contained, 11 are not contained, 40 are undergoing assessment – while protecting values is the priority of the remaining 22 fires.
A total of 466 blazes have been recorded so far this fire season – well ahead of the five-year average of 372 but below last year's count of 476.
Eight communities remain under evacuation.
-More details to come…