Two fire bans were announced on April 9th, one in the Saskatchewan RM of Mervin and the other in the County of Vermilion River.
The Mervin ban is a full fire ban, which was issued due to dry conditions and low humidity. This means no open fires, fireworks, burning barrels, smudge, recreational fires and propane fire pits with an open flame higher than two inches.
Still okay to go ahead are all types of barbecues (propane, gas, briquette & wood pellets), tabletop propane heaters and propane heaters with a maximum flame height of two inches, patio heaters and completely enclosed wood pellet fueled fire pits.
When a fire burns out of control in the area, the RM says it puts extra demand is placed on staff and volunteer firefighters, creating large costs, which they will “aggressively pursue” from anyone who lights a fire during the ban.
County of Vermilion River ban
The ban in the CVR, unlike Mervin, is a partial ban.
This means only recreational and incinerator fires are permitted and must be contained, supervised and fully extinguished upon completion. All other fires are banned, and fire permits cancelled for the time being.
Residents are encouraged to also make sure their smoking materials are completely put out and placed in a burn-proof container, rather than on the ground or out a car window.
The County says these conditions must be followed, and people could face a $500 fine if they break these rules.
In both cases, the ban remains in place until their respective governments lift them.