Northern wildfires affecting air quality

SASKATOON Continued hot, dry conditions and increasing fire activity prompted the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to issue an immediate provincial fire ban for most of east-central Saskatchewan on Sunday afternoon.

The ban covers all provincial Crown lands, including provincial parks located within the fire ban area, as well as all land within 4.5 kilometres of the provincial forest boundary. It includes any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks within all areas south of Hwy 106 from the Manitoba border to Hwy 55; south of Hwy 55 from Hwy 106 to Prince Albert; east of Hwy 2 from Prince Albert to Hwy 5; and north of Hwy 5 to the Manitoba border.

On Sunday morning, smoke from forest fires north of Hudson Bay affected air quality in many parts of the province.

One particularly troublesome, uncontrolled fire is the Bell fire, which now covers 44,364 hectares after starting in mid-july. The Bell fire was considered contained on Sept. 28, but is now posing a risk to Highways 9, 55 and 3, as well as logging in the area.

“With hunting season comes more human activity and, as a result, more human-caused fire starts,” SPSA vice-president of operations Steve Roberts said in a press release.

There are currently 11 wildfires burning in the province, including several in the area covered by the fire ban. To date, Saskatchewan has had 603 wildfires, which is more than double the five-year average of 298.

“It is not uncommon for fires to continue to burn into the fall during warm and dry conditions such as we are experiencing,” Roberts said.

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

Wildfire smoke can cause coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.