SASKATCHEWAN – The majority of wildfires currently burning in Saskatchewan right now are human-caused.
That’s what Bryan Chartrand, Executive Director, Land Operations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, told media during an afternoon press conference updating the wildfire situation.
“It’s easy to say that a large majority of the fires we’re dealing with are started by human cause,” he said, noting that there have been few lightning strikes in the regions currently blazing.
As of 3 p.m. on May 17, there are 24 active fires with eight being listed as contained, five that are not contained, 10 being monitored as an ongoing assessment, and one listed as protecting property.
Many people have been evacuated from affected areas, and the SPSA is currently supporting 169 people in North Battleford from English River and Patuanak, 113 people in Lloydminster from Dillon, St. George's Hill, and Michel Village, and 47 people in Regina from Buffalo Narrows.
Current conditions have placed northern portions of the province at extreme fire risk, hence a fire ban being issued in areas north of Highway 16. This includes 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.
Highway 155 will remain closed, without an anticipated time for re-opening, but Pritchard reassured necessities will be getting through.
“We will be escorting the groceries, fuel trucks and critical supplies in to those communities,” he said.
Wind conditions have been favourable, moving fires away from northern towns and villages.
“Currently, none of the fires are a direct threat to those communities,” Pritchard said, adding smoke is still a major issue. “As of right now, those communities are relatively safe from direct fire threat.”
Right now, the Vermette fire southwest of Dillon is 45,000 ha. in size, the Shaw fire southeast of Dillon is 77,554 ha., the Smith fire north of Pinehouse is 103,000 ha., and the Wistigo fire southeast of Pinehouse is 21,362 ha. Type 1 and 2 firefighters, heavy equipment, and aerial support are actively involved in these blazes.
In total, there have been 168 wildfires so far this year - up significantly from the five-year average of 84.
