A dry spring has led several rural municipalities in Saskatchewan to issue bans on outside fires.

The RMs of Corman Park and Vanscoy near Saskatoon have ordered a stop to all outside burning after a particularly dry spring.

Crews have been busy at several large grass fires this month near Saskatoon, and continuing dry weather means the situation isn't expected to improve soon.

"We're always looking for that spring rain and we haven't seen it," said fire commissioner Duane McKay. "There's been some heavier precipitation in terms of moisture, but not enough to really change anything."

The following municipalities have issued fire bans, according to an official with the Ministry of Government Relations, as of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday:

Village of Coleville.

RM of Happyland.

RM of Newcombe.

RM of Chesterfield.

RM of St. Andrews.

RM of Pleasant Valley.

RM of Kindersley.

RM of Montrose.

RM of Marriott.

RM of Mountain View.

RM of Winslow.

RM of Oakdale.

RM of Corman Park.

RM of Vanscoy.

RM of Grandview.

RM of Laird.

RM of Paynton.

RM of Eldon.

The province is asking that any farmers burning their fields take extra care.

The situation is considerably better in northern Saskatchewan, as precipitation and a slow snow melt has meant a moderate start to the fire season.