REGINA — A long stretch of dry weather has prompted the Saskatchewan government to ban all open fires in several areas stretching from south of the Churchill River all the way to the United States border. The Ministry of Environment says the ban covers Crown land, most provincial parks, recreation sites and burn notification areas, but excludes Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park where fire hazards are lower. No open fires or fireworks are permitted, but self-contained heating devices, pressurized stoves, gas barbecues, propane firepits, or charcoal briquettes used in an approved firebox are allowed for cooking and heating. The ministry notes that municipalities and regional and national parks may also ban open fires in their areas. Emergency crews have had to deal with several wildfires across Saskatchewan this spring, including some that have led to evacuations.

Source: National Post May 15, 2018 18:00 UTC