NORTH BATTLEFORD — The city of North Battleford has announced in a news release it has issued a fire ban.
The reason, according to the city, is current dry conditions and high winds. The fire department has also indicated they had responded to a grass fire already.
In a statement North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm noted, “the fire department has already attended one large grass fire, and the fire ban is precautionary. The spring melt has resulted in wet soil. However, dormant grass and dead vegetation from winter is a significant fire risk.”
What it means for residents is that controlled burning and any kind of burning, outside of an approved fire pit is prohibited until further notice. The fire department is approving the use of legal fire pits, for which a fire pit permit is required. Those can be obtained from the fire department. However, extreme caution must be exercised by maintaining close supervision of the fire, by having an adequate supply of water available to extinguish or control the fire, properly extinguishing the fire after use and paying close attention to wind conditions and potential spark hazards.
Open-air burning (burning outside of an approved fire pit) is prohibited until further notice.
Chief Holm is also advising residents to make their properties as fire safe as possible.
“Keep dry vegetation and combustibles away from buildings, be cautious with discarded smoking materials and please report any suspicious activity or fires started to the RCMP and/or municipal enforcement.”
Anyone with concerns or questions should contact North Battleford Fire Department at 306-445-1770.
