Saskatchewan highlights preparations made ahead of wildfire season
Saskatchewan has brought in resources early to prepare for this year’s fire season. A drier than normal summer is forecast with eleven fires currently active.
Reconna aircraft are patrolling to spot the first forest fires of 2024. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is pushing early to keep a handle on containment.
“We brought our resources back early so we can help communities deal with drought,” SPSA Marlo Pritchard told CTV News.
A total of 75 fires have already occurred in Saskatchewan this year, nearly four times the five year average – while 11 of those are currently active.
“[We’re] always looking at our risk, a risk assessment so we are at least at this point in time forecasting a drier than normal summer,” Pritchard added.
On April 24, the province announced that it will be adding four new air tankers to its wildfire fighting fleet.
The first will be delivered in 2025 bringing enhanced fire fighting capability to the SPSA.
“We’re pressurized so we can routinely go high attitude where we can go a lot faster, burn a lot less fuel,” explained Nels Kristensen, an air tanker pilot with Conair. “It’s got a 2,600 gallon tank instead of 2,100 so we’ve taken it a step farther.”
Last season, the province completed the retrofit of six CL-215 fire fighting aircraft with more powerful turbine engines. According to pilot Jeremy Hubka, the upgrades are noticeable.
“Touching down on the water, it happens a little bit quicker with the turbine to begin with more power,” he said.
Fire prevention measures are also a focus. Over 50 fire bans are currently in place, primarily in central Saskatchewan. A public education program is also being rolled out.
“Fifty percent of the fires that we have are started by individuals. That’s when the education comes in,” Minister of Public Safety Paul Merriman explained. “The SPSA is in the schools. We’re working with Prince Albert Grand Council on education.”
The 2023 wildfire season was one of the worst in nearly two decades with close to 500 fires.
This year’s season again is off to a dry start but the province will soon have enhanced equipment and measures in place stay on top of the situation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.
Top whisky, rum and gin brands could pull products from LCBO amid pricing dispute
A group that represents a long list of spirit brands is warning that some popular products could be pulled from the Ontario market amid a multi-million dollar dispute with the LCBO.
4 dead after Houston storms cause widespread damage, major blackouts
Power outages could last weeks in parts of Houston after thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds tore through the city, an official said Friday, knocking out electricity to nearly 1 million homes and businesses.
60 years on, Tim Hortons is synonymous with Canada, but still chasing growth
When Tim Hortons rang in the new year, it marked the occasion with a nod to its humble roots, bringing back a quartet of doughnuts, including some from its earliest days.
Scientists discover buried branch of the Nile that may solve pyramid mystery
Egypt’s Great Pyramid and other ancient monuments at Giza exist on an isolated strip of land at the edge of the Sahara Desert.