Citing hot, dry and windy conditions across the region, Mountain View County has imposed a fire ban, effective immediately, officials said Monday.
The fire restriction put in place in the county several days ago has now been upgraded to a fire ban.
Under the ban, no fire permits will be issued, no fireworks permits will be issued, and all fire permits are suspended.
As well, “no person shall ignite a fire regardless of exemption status for barbecues, internal household fireplaces and Alberta Energy Regulator flaring,” said county chief administrative officer Jeff Holmes.
“Every person shall immediately extinguish any fire lit once the person knows or reasonably ought to know of the fire ban.”
The discharge of fireworks is prohibited.
“All current fire and fireworks permits are hereby cancelled and no new fire or fireworks permits will be issued until the ban is lifted,” he said.
Town of Sundre officials also announced a complete fire ban effective June 9 to remain in place until further notice.
As well, due to the warm temperatures over the weekend combined with a lack of precipitation, provincial officials have expanded the fire ban that had been in effect for central and northern areas of the province to include the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area where the fire risk is deemed very high.
“Under this fire ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended,” reads part of a statement released June 8.
“Although a possible reprieve in weather may happen toward the end of the week, there are still several days of hot and dry conditions expected and the wildfire danger will remain elevated.”
All outdoor wood fires on public and private land are prohibited while the ban remains in place including campfires in: backcountry and random camping areas; designated campgrounds; day use areas; and private land.
Barbecue charcoal briquettes, fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.
Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances as well as indoor wood fires and open flame oil devices remain allowed.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for a detailed map of the impacted areas.
