PRINCE ALBERT— The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has expanded the provincial fire ban to prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in certain northern regions, effective 5 p.m. on May 29.
The ban now applies to:
- All vacant Crown land,
- Provincial parks located within the provincial forest, and
- The provincial forest, including the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.
The updated ban also continues to prohibit open fires, controlled burns and fireworks within the designated boundaries.
"The vast majority of the active fires in the province are caused by human activity," SPSA vice-president of operations Steve Roberts said. "By revising the fire ban to prohibit ATVs and UTVs, we are taking a significant step to reducing the number of fire starts."
In Saskatchewan, most human-caused wildfires begin in accessible areas near roads and communities. The SPSA advises the public to take precautions, including avoiding driving on dry grass, thoroughly extinguishing campfires, and educating children about fire safety.
The agency is also encouraging all municipalities, rural municipalities and local communities to assess their current fire risks and consider implementing fire bans to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires.
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, 17 wildfires were actively burning across the province. So far in 2025, Saskatchewan has seen 207 wildfires—40 more than this time last year and well above the five-year average of 125.
Anyone who sees a wildfire is urged to report it by calling 1-800-667-9660, dialing 911, or contacting the nearest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.
Resources including an interactive fire ban map, fire risk updates and prevention tips are available at saskpublicsafety.ca. Information on specific restrictions within provincial parks and recreation sites can also be found online.
The SPSA, established in 2017, is a Treasury Board Crown corporation responsible for wildfire and emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, and related public safety services.
