There was no rain or snow reported for the region this week, causing further deterioration of the soil moisture conditions. Livestock water supplies were rated as being in moderate shortage with severe shortages anticipated if the current dry trend continues. Pastures have started to green up slowly in the region and cattle producers hope to have cattle out grazing soon. Topsoil moisture conditions this week are rated as two per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hay land and pasture levels were rated as one per cent surplus, 57 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and seven per cent very short.
SASKATOON Cabin owners looking forward to campfires in the District of Lakeland will have to wait until conditions change. A municipal order banning campfires, fireworks and all burning permits was imposed Monday. Adminisrator Tammy Knuttila says sparks and embers from man-made fires could start grass or forest fires. “The snow melted earlier and it’s been drier than usual. We’ve been talking to our residents and consulting with them on the conditions out there,” said Knuttila. The district considered the provincial Fire Weather Index map, which rates the fire risk as high to extreme. “With the age of the forest, it s not if the forest is going to burn, it s when it s going to burn so we just can t take that risk the conditions this dry,” said Knuttila.
The fire ban notice comes after a number of fires over the weekend in the district.
Early Saturday afternoon, the Lakeland Fire Department responded to a grass/ bush fire 12 km west of Christopher Lake.
Crews arrived on scene of a fire about 10 acres in size and managed to contain the fire within an hour. They then spent several hours mopping up the scene. The fire was about 25 acres in size once it was extinguished.
Friday afternoon, fire crews responded to a grass fire, south east of Paddockwood.
Crews arrived on scene to a 20 acre grass fire in a yard site. Crews worked on values protection and spent several hours working on hot spots.