Bulletins

August 11 2023

Parks Canada is actively monitoring a small wildfire located in the northeast part of Prince Albert National Park.

The fire is approximately 20 hectares and is located 2.5 kilometres north of Crean Lake.

There is no risk to visitors and the public.

This lightning-caused wildfire, known as the Orphan Wildfire, was detected by satellite Monday, August 7 afternoon and was initially actioned by provincial crews using water bomber planes.

On Tuesday, August 8, Parks Canada fire personnel attended with two fire crews and one helicopter. Thanks to the approximately 20 millimeters of rain on Wednesday, August 9, the fire is considered being held and there will be minimal growth in the coming days.

There is currently no fire ban for Prince Albert National Park.

Fire is a natural and essential part of the aspen parkland and boreal forest ecosystems and helps restore the ecological integrity of Prince Albert National Park. These environments rely on fire to create new plant life and habitat for insects, birds and animals. Monitoring will allow the landscape north of Crean Lake to benefit from the fire and to maintain the ecological integrity of the forest.

In the coming days, visitors may see smoke in the area, but there is no expected impact on visitor opportunities or activities. Should the presence of smoke increase, it is recommended that the public, including those with respiratory issues monitor the air quality index on Environment Canada at weather.gc.ca. Health messages indicating the impact based on air quality are laid out on this site and may include limiting strenuous outdoor activity. For more information about the impact of smoke visit: www.healthwise.net/saskhealthlineonline or call Saskatchewan’s health line: 8-1-1. Park visitors and residents are reminded to report a wildfire, illegal campfire or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch: 1-877-852-3100.

An update will be provided if there is significant growth or change to the fire: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/princealbert/securite-safety/bulletins

Kaylene Amundson

Fire Information Officer, Prince Albert National Park

panp-fire@pc.gc.ca