By Charlene Tebbutt

Farmers urged caution during dry, windy spring

Apr 30, 2018 | 5:00 PM

It’s a dangerous time in rural Saskatchewan, as pasture and grass lands are at a higher risk of fires due to dry, windy weather.

Despite predictions for above-average runoff in some parts around the Prince Albert area, the quick snow melt and recent windy weather have increased the risk of fire in the region. Monday’s fire risk map from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment lists a moderate risk of fire across most of the region, and low in the northeast area. 

A number of grass and brush fires have been reported in rural areas around Prince Albert in recent days, and the province is urging producers to be cautious when conducting controlled burns on their properties this spring. Larry Fremont, education prevention coordinator with wildfire management branch of Saskatchewan Environment, said being properly prepared is key.

“We had lots of snow, yes, but this is the most dangerous time of the year, from when the snow leaves to green-up,” Fremont told farmnewsNOW. “We probably get 75 per cent of our human-caused fires in the spring of the year before the grass greens up,”

The province has a checklist on its website with information about ways producers can reduce the threat of fires on their properties. Among the key tips, Fremont said farmers should be prepared to put out a small fire if needed, by having a water supply, fire extinguisher, and a shovel or rake handy. Cleaning brush and deadfall away from outbuildings before burning can also be helpful.

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“It’s a typical spring. We get some fairly windy days and with those windy days comes fairly low relative humidity,” Fremont added. “Fire happens easily and catches very quickly … if you’re burning off the fields, be prepared.”

Volunteer firefighters in the Rural Municipality of Hoodoo have been called out a few times this spring already. The communities of Cudworth and Wakaw work together to provide mutual aid for the RM. Dar Lariviere, fire chief in Cudworth, said calling the provincial fire centre before starting a controlled burn is just the first step to insuring fire safety on the farm.

“Then we’re put on standby so we know there are controlled burns going on and we’re able to respond a bit quicker,” Lariviere said. “I guess make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand in case it gets out of hand … what’s out there is stubble right, but unfortunately it does get into the grass where there’s dried grass, leaves, deadfall, and then it just takes off from there.”

Fremont says it’s the responsibility of the producer to cover the costs of fighting a fire once it’s out of control.

“Until the smoke is in the air, a lot of people aren’t too concerned about it,” he added. “When there’s smoke in the air, often it’s too late.”

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Charlene Tebbutt