Recent rainfall has eased drought conditions in parts of Saskatchewan, but many areas remain extremely dry, particularly in the southwest region. Wildfire risk remains high despite the moisture, with 111 fires reported this year, more than doubling the five-year average. While some areas may see up to 70 mm of rain, it is still below normal precipitation levels for May. Experts emphasize the need for continued rainfall to mitigate the drought and reduce wildfire risks.
Uttarakhand has been battling relentless forest fires, resulting in the tragic death of a 65-year-old woman who sustained burn injuries while attempting to extinguish a blaze near her farm in Pauri tehsil. This marks the fifth fatality attributed to wildfires in the past three days. In response to this escalating crisis, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for a statewide ban on fodder burning and solid waste incineration in forests and surrounding areas for a week, with strict enforcement by District Magistrates. Additionally, flight operations at Pithoragarh’s Naini-Saini airport have been suspended due to limited visibility caused by smoke and haze. The Meteorological Center in Dehradun predicts rainfall in the state from May 7-8, potentially mitigating the severity of the fires.
Due to extremely dry weather conditions, the BC Wildfire Service has announced a Category 3 fire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre, prohibiting large fires involving brush, stubble, or grass exceeding half an acre. The ban takes effect on Friday, May 3 at noon and will remain in effect until October 11 or until rescinded. Other regions in British Columbia have already implemented fire bans in response to early fire hazards.
