Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency introduces fire ban as Lobstick Fire grows

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPCA) is implementing a fire ban on crown land and provincial parks over a significant area of northern and central Saskatchewan due to the extreme fire risk.

Open fires or burns are not allowed on crown land and provincial parks. ATV and UTV use are prohibited unless they are used by “bonafide” commercial operatiors.

There are six active wildfires burning in Saskatchewan, including two that are not contained. The most serious is the Lobstick Fire in Nisbet forest which has grown to 32,000 acres after jumping the North Saskatchewan River on Friday morning.

The Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Michael Weger says several communities are in the vicinity of the Lobstick Fire.

Heat, wind and smoke are creating challenging conditions for firefighters. Local ranchers have been moving cattle out of the area as a precaution. Two structures have been destroyed, but there were not homes.

Weger says investigators now believe the Lobstick Fire was not human-caused.

Late Friday afternoon, the RM of Shellbrook issued a Wildfire Emergency Advisory for the Holbein area. Residents are being advised to be ready to evacuate if required.

Fifty rural municipalities have declared fire bans along with 19 towns and villages.

The full news release from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is below. (Photo credit–SPSA Facebook)

SPSA Fire Ban Issued to Prevent Further Human-Caused Wildfires; LOBSTICK Fire Update

Released on May 29, 2026

Due to current conditions and the extreme fire risk in the province, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a fire ban effective at noon on May 29, 2026.

The ban encompasses a large portion of central and southern Saskatchewan. In particular, the fire ban includes all Crown land, including provincial parks and regional sites, area south of:

Highway 55 at the Alberta border to junction Highway 155;
Highway 155 at junction Highway 55 to junction Highway 165;
Highway 165 at junction Highway 155 to junction Highway 106; and
Highway 106 at junction Highway 165 to the Manitoba border.

The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the District (a single incorporated municipality within the NSAD), including, but not limited to, resort subdivisions, northern settlements, and titled and leased properties within the fire ban area are included.

Additionally, the use of all All Terrain Vehicles and Utility Terrain Vehicles is hereby prohibited. However, SaskPower, peace officers and others in lawful execution of their duties, as well as bona fide licensed outfitters, may receive written exemptions from the SPSA.

This does not include Rural Municipalities or Incorporated Municipalities, which require their own fire ban.

“At this time, implementing a fire ban is a necessary action reduce the risk of wildfires to residents, communities and other resources.,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “The primary cause of wildfires at this time of the year is human activity. We are strongly reminding the public that human-caused fires are preventable.”

In Saskatchewan, human-caused wildfires typically start in accessible areas near communities and roads. Simple actions like not driving a vehicle on dry grass, drowning campfires until embers are cool and talking to young children about fire safety can make an impact on the number of fires in Saskatchewan.

The SPSA encourages all other municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to examine fire risks in their area and to consider implementing consistent fire bans to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.

As of 11 a.m., there are 6 active wildfires in the province; 2 are contained, 3 are not contained and 1 of ongoing assessment. To date, Saskatchewan has had 74 wildfires.

LOBSTICK fire

The LOBSTICK fire was reported on May 26, 2026, at 15:10 and SPSA crews were dispatched at 15:26. It’s currently classified as not contained and is 13,000 hectares. SPSA personnel, including Type 1 and 2 crews, have been assigned to the fire, working alongside local fire departments and SPSA Emergency Response Team.

Additional resources, including heavy equipment, helicopter and air tanker support, have been actioning this fire for multiple days. Multiple dozer guards have been established and some crews continue to set up sprinkler units (i.e., value protection units).

Fire bans

Although the SPSA may restrict burning in all rural municipalities in extreme circumstances, it only restricts burning in the areas that it is responsible to manage under legislation. When this occurs it generally applies to large geographic areas with similar hazards.

The SPSA reminds residents and visitors to always be aware of when and where open burning is permitted in Saskatchewan to help prevent wildfires. Local jurisdictions are responsible for restricting burning in their area of responsibility if they pass a fire restriction bylaw. These jurisdictions tend to be the most informed about the fire risk in their area and their ability to respond to wildfires.

Make sure to check with your local authority, or the Interactive Fire Ban Map on the SPSA’s website, to see if any burning restrictions are currently in effect.

Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Protection Area office.

People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.

A list of fire restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.