Dry conditions in Saskatchewan have kicked off the wildfire season with above average numbers. Officials say there have been 72 fires so far this year, well above the five year average of 41. Northern Saskatchewan is still extremely dry and the south isn't much better after last summer's dry season combined with less than normal snow this winter.  A lack of rainfall this spring is only making things worse.   

Moose Jaw fire fighters have dealt with their fair share of grass fires already, with at least one threatening homes in the area. Just this weekend fire fighters around Clavet, east of Saskatoon, had to tackle a grass fire that started after a garage fire. Area residents helped as best they could to keep the blaze from spreading any further. Earlier in the week, a fire in Corman Park burned for more than 10 hours near Saskatoon.

We're being reminded to use caution when travelling off road, whether in a passenger vehicle, tractor or ATV.  A single spark or hot exhaust system could lead to disastrous results.