The Rural Municipality of Piney is reporting there is little change to the situation involving the wildland fire near the community of Sandilands.

A State of Local Emergency remains in effect and Council has issued a complete burn ban. The wildland fire remains uncontained and active. The RM says current weather conditions are not favourable, noting there is little moisture in the forecast and the potential for isolated thunderstorms. To date, no structures have been lost to the wildland fire; crews continue to focus on value protection on those properties greatest at risk.

The size of the fire remains unchanged. Approximately 2,000 hectares has burned. Weather conditions are still dry, resulting in extreme fire risk. The public is advised to adhere to the fire bans, travel restrictions and use caution.

The Sandilands Main Market Road remains closed and may open in the next couple of days if crews continue to make progress on extinguishing the fire. Fire crews continue to utilize this road for access to the burn area.

A complete burn ban for the RM of Piney is now in place. No burning of any solid fuel is permitted; this includes campfires, burn barrels and outdoor stoves. Only propane barbeques and propane fire pits are permitted.

The Municipality remains confident in the efforts completed to protect lives and private property. Should the situation change, and there is the need to notify residents, the RM shall start actively notifying those affected by the change in events. The communities of Sandilands, Woodridge and St. Labre are not at risk. Travel to properties in these communities is permitted.