A special air quality statement is in effect for northeast communities as the air quality health index (AQHI) is at a value of 10+, which is considered very high risk. (File photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Rachel May

Wildfires

Fire bans in effect across the northeast

May 17, 2023 | 1:17 PM

As wildfires continue to rage across northern Saskatchewan, communities in the northeast are putting up fire bans and restrictions.

As of May 16, there are currently 92 active Rural Municipality (RM) fire bans, 28 active Urban Municipality (UM) fire bans, and 10 Provincial Park fire bans in effect.

A full fire ban is in effect for all Crown Lands, Provincial Parks, and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District north of Highway 16.

Melfort’s Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services Shaun Stewart told northeastNOW that he agrees this is a necessary step to protect the community.

“I am of the same opinion as the Minister Order Fire Ban as to the state of our area that we are currently in an extreme fire hazard area in and around Melfort.”

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The city of Melfort has a full fire ban in effect. This means all open-air fires and open-air burn pits in any capacity are not permitted. Charcoal and gas-operated cooking devices as well as gas-operated fire tables, bowls, and pits are still allowed.

Stewart has sent out recommendations to local RM’s advising they enact a fire ban.

The RM of Star City has followed suit and issued a full fire ban as well. For those in the community with questions, they are encouraged to call the RM office.

Other communities currently with a fire ban in effect until further notice include the Village of Bjorkdale, the RM of Nipawin, the RM of Flett Springs, the RM of Kinistino, the RM of Tisdale, and the Village of Love.

In addition to all of the current fire bans, a special air quality statement is in effect as the air quality health index (AQHI) is at a value of 10+ for many communities which is considered very high risk.

Purple Air, a real-time quality map, has given Red Earth a 112 and Wadena a 111 which means members of sensitive groups may experience health effects within 24 hours of exposure to the smoke. The general public is less likely to be affected.

It is advised to avoid strenuous activities outdoors as well as children and the elderly should avoid any outdoor physical exertion.

Those who are planning activities outdoors are advised to reduce time outside or reschedule.

If you experience difficulty breathing to the point in which it becomes uncomfortable, contact your health care provider or local health authority for additional advice.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM