Prescribed fires are underway in Heritage, Lakewood, Hyde, Donna Birkmaier and Gabriel Dumont Parks

During the months of October and November, Parks staff in consultation with the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Fire Department, will be performing brief, small-scale prescribed fires in the naturalized areas within Heritage, Lakewood, Hyde, Donna Birkmaier and Gabriel Dumont Parks. This initiative is 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 habitat for wildlife.

Prescribed fires are performed by trained Parks staff, and the Saskatoon Fire Department is either on-site or on call to help manage the fire if needed. Prescribed fires are a common, cost-effective park management practice in many cities across Canada and the United States 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 through the parks.

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

For more information on the City’s prescribed fire program, visit saskatoon.ca/prescribedfires.