ATHABASCA – Athabasca County has reduced a total fire ban to a fire restriction following some wet weather over the last week.
Under the new restriction, the issuance of new fire permits of prohibited, and all existing open burning permits are suspended. The restriction doesn’t include fires which are contained in Fire Service Bylaw compliant fire pits. Fires that are contained in bylaw compliant burn barrels with valid permits are also allowed.
In a May 7 media release announcing the restriction, Athabasca County’s communications coordinator Jordan Schenkelberg stressed that the wildfire threat remained in place.
The order only applies to the sections of the county that are under Athabasca County’s guardianship — the Lac La Biche Forest Area is also under a fire restriction at this time.
The Fire Control Order will remain in effect until amended or revoked by the proper authority of Athabasca County.