SPSA wildfire update stresses ‘let it burn’ policy doesn’t exist
Global News
Steve Roberts said Canada is seeing larger and more aggressive wildfire seasons, noting firefighters have to distribute their resources wisely.
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) gave an update on the wildfire situation as flames rage across the province, with part of the message addressing some misinformation.
There are 23 active wildfires in Saskatchewan, with 183 total wildfires that have hit the province this year. The five-year average is 106.
“There is no ‘let it burn’ policy,” SPSA president Marlo Pritchard said Tuesday.
Pritchard said he wanted to reiterate that point, noting that the SPSA assesses every wildfire.
A government of Saskatchewan infographic addressed the myth, noting that some residents believe the misconception that wildfires outside of arbitrarily chosen areas are allowed to burn, regardless of the threat.
The infographic said every wildfire is assessed, regardless of where it is in the province, and a decision is made on how to manage it.
Pritchard said the first priority for SPSA is human life.
He added that healthy, vibrant forests are renewed by fires.