FEWER WILDFIRE STARTS CAUSED BY PEOPLE

In spite of high-to-extreme fire hazards across the entire Northern Provincial Forest, few human-caused wildfires occurred over the August long weekend.

Of the 29 new wildfires that occurred from August 2 to August 4, only three were caused by people.

Saskatchewan Environment's Provincial Wildfire Education and Prevention Coordinator Larry Fremont praised the obvious care with which people handled fire over the weekend.

"Hazards were high-to-extreme and the campgrounds were full across the north," Fremont said. "There were campers, hikers, berry pickers, anglers and a host of others out on the land, but only two recreational campfires and one unknown human-caused fire occurred over the August long weekend."

Fremont also says that fewer human-caused wildfires improves the success of the province's fire fighters and fire management team and reduces the need for fire bans in the northern forests. Fire bans are currently in effect in the West Block of Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park.

Much of Western Canada is experiencing extreme fire conditions. These conditions are reflected in the number of serious fires burning in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba.

In Saskatchewan, up to the end of July, there were 216 human caused fires, down 30 per cent from the five year average of 306. Fremont credits much of the reduction to an expanded provincial fire prevention awareness campaign. Even so, he advises people to continue to be careful with fire.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Fremont Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-3245 Email: lfremont@serm.gov.sk.ca