Within two days, Rocky View County has upgraded a fire ban from a Level I, which represents a moderate risk to a Level III, the most extreme risk of fire.
The ban, effective from May 18 until further notice, comes as a result of dry, windy conditions within the County.
According to a County-issued statement, current conditions pose an extreme risk of fire, with hay fields, crops, grass and brush being susceptible to easy ignition and rapid spreading of fire.
The ban includes all outdoor fires including incinerators, regulated burning barrels, charcoal briquette barbecues, recreational campfires, camp stoves and chimeneas. Permitted burning is also banned, with all outstanding permits suspended until further notice.
Indoor fireplaces and propane and natural gas barbecues may still be used.
Rocky View’s announcement is part of a province-wide ban, which forbids fires in Alberta’s rural areas. The exceptions to the ban include some federal lands, such as First Nations reserves outside of forest protection areas, urban municipalities, including cities, towns, villages and summer villages, and some National Defence lands.
Urban municipalities are being encouraged to consider fire bans in their jurisdictions.
Alberta residents are asked to contact their local administration office to confirm any exceptions for their jurisdictions. The province-wide ban prohibits the use of all wood, briquette, propane and natural gas fires, including those contained in designated fire facilities and portable fire pits.
Gas and propane stoves, when approved for cooking, are allowed.
Those who ignore the ban can be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and could face a fine of up to $5,000. In addition, the responsible party can be held responsible for the costs associated with fighting the fire, with no maximum limit.
For current Alberta fire ban information, visit www.albertafirebans.ca
