EXPANDED FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

Saskatchewan Environment kicked off an enhanced public awareness and fire prevention campaign today during Arbor Day celebrations in Prince Albert.

"Each year people cause about half of Saskatchewan's wildfires by accident," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "By raising awareness of this problem and what people can do to prevent fires, we can reduce the number of escaped fires and save thousands of hectares of forests, reduce risks to human lives, and reduce provincial fire suppression costs."

The most common causes of wildfires started by people are recreational campfires and resident fires – people trying to use fire to burn grass, stubble or brush, but underestimating the burning conditions.

The theme of the campaign 'Be prepared … don't let your fire go wild' is targeted at the southern forest and forest fringe areas of the province, where most wildfires caused by people occur. The campaign includes information about things people can do to reduce the risk of wildfire and encourages awareness of the conditions that commonly cause fires to escape. The primary advertising vehicles to be used in the campaign are radio and newspaper ads. However, other materials will include brochures, posters, and signs as well as meetings and presentations to be held in northern communities.

Another element of the prevention campaign involves a joint initiative among Environment, the Provincial Fire Commissioner's office and Saskatchewan Emergency Planning (both part of the Department of Corrections and Public Safety) to work with rural municipalities in the forest fringe area of the province to reduce risks of wildfire.

May 4th to 10th is also 'Emergency Preparedness Week' in Saskatchewan, Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew Thomson advised. "Wildfires are one of the major emergency concerns for people in this province and we can help people become better prepared."

Wildfires should be reported to the nearest Saskatchewan Environment Forest Protection Area office or the province's toll-free Firewatch number at 1-800-667-9660.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Larry Freemont Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-3245	Bill Derby Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306)787-5883
Marie Grono Forestry Association Prince Albert Phone: (306)763-2189