SASKATOON — Parks staff will be performing brief and small-scale prescribed fires in five naturalized areas within Heritage, Lakewood, Hyde, Donna Birkmaier, and Gabriel Dumont parks.
The small-scale prescribed fires are being done in consultation with the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Fire Department, as part of the city’s overall strategy to enhance and conserve the biodiversity of naturalized areas in Saskatoon parks.
A prescribed fire is the planned and controlled application of fire to a defined area of land. Prescribed fires replicate the natural renewal process of grasslands, reduce the risk of wildfire, and enhance wildlife habitat.
Trained Parks staff and the SFD perform the prescribed fires, either on-site or on call to help manage the blaze if needed. They are also a common and cost-effective park management practice in many cities across Canada and the U.S., and have been conducted safely for many years.
Timing of the prescribed fires will be determined by weather and wind conditions and residents will be notified via the city’s service alerts and social media channels. Signage will also be placed at the location of the fire to alert park visitors.
The city asks residents for their cooperation when visiting Heritage, Lakewood, Hyde, Donna Birkmaier, and Gabriel Dumont parks at the time of a prescribed fire by respecting work zones and ensuring dogs are leashed when walking in the area.
The following can be expected during and after a prescribed fire:
-
Small areas of land are burned during a fire, so only portions of a park are blackened at any given time
-
Shrubs and trees are not burned and therefore are not negatively impacted
-
Vigorous new growth occurs following a fire (in a matter of weeks in the spring), which is appreciated by wildlife
-
The reduction in accumulated dead plant material provides protection against accidental wildfires
-
Smoke is present for the duration of the fire but dissipates rather quickly once the fire is over
