FIRST FIRE BAN IN REGINA HISTORY

Dry conditions are ‘recipe for disaster’

Unprecedented dry conditions in Regina have led to the first fire ban in the city’s history.

The ban went into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday.

The ban was issued because over the past week, the remaining vegetation and ground cover in the city went dormant at a dramatic rate.

The increase in the fuel load on the ground is what made Regina Fire & Protective Services decide a ban was necessary.

“It’s a recipe for disaster,” said fire marshal Randy Ryba.

“We have never experienced conditions this dry that we can recall.”

The concern over remaining ground vegetation deteriorating in the city’s parks and open spaces was of particular concern. Regina has thousands of acres of undeveloped land within the annexed portion of the city.

As an example, Ryba said recent grass fires on Wascana Parkway and on the Ring Road consumed 20 acres in just 15 minutes because of a northwest wind.

The fire department will rely on complaints from the public to find out if people are violating the ban. Residents who do so will be told to extinguish their fire, or else the fire department will put it out. If firefighters have to return to the same address for another complaint, the result could be a ticket.

“We’re trying to be as reasonable as we can with folks and we’re just hoping people will heed the warnings, because it is a public safety issue, for sure,” said Ryba.

Ryba added that the fire department has made preparations so its resources aren’t too strained while it responds to fire ban complaints.

All solid fuel burning fire pits that use clean seasoned wood, manufactured fire logs and charcoal are banned from use until further notice.

Fire pits and barbecues that are fuelled by propane or natural gas are exempt from the ban.

Smoking material should also be put in an approved container and not flower pots, planters or plastic containers.

Smoking material should instead be put in a metal container that is partially filled with sand or gravel.

Smokers should also not discard their smoking materials out of vehicle windows when driving.

Anyone who wishes to report a violation of the fire ban can call Service Regina at 777-7000.