Fire ban still in effect for Battlefords Park and area

May 25, 2018 | 6:24 PM

Battlefords residents visiting area campgrounds in the days ahead will need to keep in mind that fire restrictions are still in place until further notice due to extreme fire hazards. 

The ban is in effect for all parks in the area including the Battlefords Provincial Park, Blackstrap, Candle Lake, Great Blue Heron, Narrow Hills, Pike Lake, and Saskatchewan Landing.

While a provincial fire ban has been lifted in certain areas, campfire fire restrictions remain in place for these locations. No open fires in these parks are permitted.

“It’s a total fire restriction. There are no fires whatsoever in the park,” said Jackie Starling, park manager,  Battlefords Provincial Park, Saskatchewan Parks, Culture and Sport. “It’s due to the dry conditions and the poplar fuzz. That stuff is very dangerous for fires.”

She said the fuzz from the Poplar tree’s buds are apt to catch fire easily which is a concern.  

Starling said the ban will continue into next week and “through the whole weekend for sure.”

According to the report from the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, any self-contained, CSA-approved portable gas heating devices and fire pits, barbecues, pressurized stoves and charcoal briquettes will be permitted for cooking and heating purposes at the particular park’s discretion for the duration of this restriction. 

If anyone sees a fire they are asked to report it immediately to help support fire suppression efforts.

If they notice a fire, people should call Park Watch toll-free at: 1-800-667-1788. As always, in an emergency they should call 911.

 

cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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