The City of Yorkton has put a stop to all outdoor fire pits and open-flame activities effective May 28, 2026. The fire ban comes as most of southern Saskatchewan sits under extreme fire risk, with hot, dry, and windy weather driving up the danger.
The ban means no campfires, fire pits, tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels, or burning cages of any size are allowed anywhere in the city. However, barbecues that run on natural gas, propane, or briquettes can still be used. The city says fire bans are called based on current weather conditions and the risks they bring.
The Yorkton Fire Protective Services is enforcing the restrictions, with Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey overseeing the effort. The city is also reminding residents to check before lighting any flames outdoors.
This local ban is one of roughly 50 active fire bans across Saskatchewan right now, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. Most of the southern half of the province is listed as extreme risk on the agency’s fire weather index, while much of the north-central region is at high risk. Five wildfires were already burning in the province as of May 28, two of them still out of control.
Saskatchewan Fire Chiefs Association president Lindsey Holm described the current situation as being primed for serious trouble. “Conditions are ripe for having some severe fires throughout the entire province,” Holm said. “With the warm weather and the high winds, that is only going to escalate things.”
The province is still recovering from a devastating 2025 wildfire season that saw 514 fires burn through 2.9 million hectares and forced more than 10,000 people from their homes. Fire officials are taking an especially careful approach in 2026 as residents and visitors prepare for summer activities in Yorkton’s parks.
