Open burning banned as dry conditions bring wildfire risk

Apr 30, 2020 | 12:11 PM

A fire ban preventing open burning has come into effect for the City of Meadow Lake, the village and R.M. of Loon Lake and other surrounding communities this week.

Meadow Lake Fire Chief Neil Marsh told meadowlakeNOW following the quick snowmelt, grasses are particularly dry this year and the risk of outdoor fires getting out of control is possible. The current period between snowmelt and spring rain present dry conditions and a greater risk of unintended wildfire during the pandemic.

“Propane barbecues [and] CSA certified fire pits are permitted inside the City of Meadow Lake only if a resident has a valid permit,” Marsh said. “Open burning is banned until further notice.”

All open burning includes backyard fire pits, campfires, fireworks — any activity which may produce sparks or embers, and any other purpose for which a burning permit may have been issued. This includes the burning of backyard debris, oil, wood, charcoal or any combustible material.

“The weather we expect by mid-June is when we start to get rain and there’s enough green grass then which could reduce the outdoor fire risk,” Marsh said. “The end of April and most of May tends to be very dry – not every year is like that but is often the case.”

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The cost for a fire permit is approximately $20 and is valid for five years. There are specific safety guidelines as to where a fire pit can be placed near a residence including the materials used to construct it and an inspection is required which can be found here. Meadow Lake residents can email city hall to receive an application.

Currently there are no active provincial fire bans in Saskatchewan. Campfire restrictions may be put in place for specific provincial parks following May 4 and recreation sites, based on local conditions. More information can be found at Tourism Saskatchewan.

Before starting any fire, check the ministry website for the current fire danger rating.

Here is the fire ban status in surrounding communities:

R.M. of Beaver River including Pierceland – No

R.M. of Green Lake — No

R.M. of Goodsoil – Yes

R.M. of Meadow Lake — Yes

R.M. Loon Lake — Yes

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation – Yes

Village of Dorintosh — Yes

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722

by Nicole Reis

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Open burning banned as dry conditions bring wildfire risk

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