A provincial fire ban is now in place for Crown lands and provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.  It is effective at noon Thursday.  The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency issued the ban in light of hot, dry conditions, high fire activity and a high fire risk that covers most of Saskatchewan.

The ban covers any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks, also includes all land within 4.5 km of the provincial forest fire boundary.

As of 8 a.m., there are 73 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 302 wildfires, which is 91 more than the five-year average of 211 . The SPSA is also encouraging other municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to consider implementing fire bans.