Municipalities around the Town and Country region have put fire bans and restrictions into place in recent days following high temperatures expected to continue into this week.
Athabasca County, the Town of Athabasca, and the Village of Boyle all ordered fire bans Thursday (July 11).
The move comes after the province ordered a ban in all forest protection areas, including the Lac La Biche forest area, which covers the northern section of Athabasca County, Wednesday (July 10).
Under the bans, new fire permits will not be issued, existing permits are suspended, and the lighting of outdoor fires is also prohibited. That includes open fires, fires used for cooking, briquette barbecues, burning barrels, chimeneas and portable wood burning fire pits.
Liquid fuelled cooking appliances, such as barbeques or camp stoves, are allowed as long as they are CSA approved. Indoor fireplaces with spark arrestors to prevent sparks from leaving the chimney are also okay.
A spokesperson for Athabasca County reminded residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when recreating in the outdoors. While the grass is green, off highway vehicles such as quads or dirt bikes still have the potential to start fires. Check your exhaust to make sure grass or other combustible objects haven’t built up and stay to designated trails.
“Alberta has been experiencing difficult conditions in recent days and the risk of new wildfire starts is extremely high throughout the province,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “Now more than ever, Albertans must work together to protect our communities and forests by remaining vigilant, spending time outdoors responsibly, and avoiding activities that can cause a wildfire.”
Albertans may still use propane and natural gas fuelled appliances. Indoor wood fires inside structures such as buildings, tents or RVs that are contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor are also allowed.
Westlock County announced fire restrictions of its own on Thursday (July 11), while Woodlands County issued a Fire Advisory Notice for the Whitecourt Forest Area including Woodlands County Monday (July 8).
This fire advisory includes Fort Assiniboine, Swan Hills and surrounding areas.
Under the advisory existing heavy burn permits are suspended. New light-burning permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Burn barrels are allowable at this time.
Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
Fire permits for heavy burning and fireworks will not be allowed at this time.
No bans have been announced for Barrhead County as of our print press time Monday (July 15).
Keep up-to-date on the status on the Alberta fire bans website.
https://www.albertafirebans.ca/
Immediately report an wildfire you see by calling 310-FIRE.
