The 2024 spring risk assessment generated by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency suggests the province is in store for higher-than-average temperatures, below average precipitation, potential early grass fires, and an earlier-than-normal wildfire season.

Because of this, SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard says ground and air crews are beginning to train for two weeks earlier than they did in 2023. They are expected to be ready to take firefighting action, if need be, by next week.

“To best address these spring risk conditions, the agency is preparing for an earlier than usual wildfire season. Type one wildfire crews are returning earlier than in 2023. Type two crews had a startup date of April 7th,” Pritchard stated.

SPSA Vice President of Operations Steve Roberts says Saskatchewan will be bringing in the same number of permanent seasonal firefighters on this year, which totals 220 Type 1 firefighters and 410 Type 2.

“We always have the capacity to bring on Type 3 firefighters in augmented roles if the situation requires. We did that in 2023, and that will continue to be our plan for 2024,” Roberts explained.

Shawn Jaques (jakes), CEO of the Water Security Agency, forecasts areas of drought and lower water tables due to the lack of precipitation Saskatchewan received this winter.
He stated that warm winter weather allowed for some runoff in March, however the province is still in danger of drought in 2024.

“The current snowpack is ranging from low to well-below-normal, and if below-normal conditions persist, it could result in water supply issues in 2024, especially in the agriculturally significant western region.”

Although the outlook for spring is dry, Pritchard says this summer will have characteristics of a La Nina event, with a cool, wet climate that will persist into fall and winter.