Tinder dry conditions have the MD of Foothills and much of southwest Alberta under fire bans.
A fire ban is in place across the MD of Foothills and the provincial government implemented a sweeping fire ban Wednesday through the forest protection area along a stretch of southwest Alberta’s mountains and foothills. The provincial ban covers the area south of Secondary Highway 532, at the north end of the Chain Lakes, to Waterton National Park. Fire bans are also in place in Rocky View County, Vulcan County and Banff and Waterton National Parks.
MD of Foothills fire chief Jim Smith said conditions across the MD are extremely dry and people need to be cautious.
“We’ve had several grass fires already and other issues with lightning strikes and straw bales and also farmer’s implements starting fires,” he said.
In the MD of Foothills, all open fires are prohibited until the municipal ban is lifted – this includes burn barrels, charcoal barbecues, campfires and any other open fires. All burn permits have been revoked.
Propane or gas fired barbecues and stoves are permitted.
Smith said the fire ban will be in place for the foreseeable future, until conditions change.
“We’ll need substantial moisture for a long period of time,” he said.
The Forest Protection Area fire ban means all fires, including campfires in campgrounds are prohibited until further notice. Gas or propane barbecues and stoves are allowed. All fire permits in the area are suspended.
A fire restriction is in place for the Forest Protection Area north of Highway 532, including the Kananaskis area immediately west of the MD. Open fires are prohibited in backcountry and random camping areas, as are charcoal barbecues, tiki torches and fireworks.
Campfires are still permitted in fire rings in designated areas, and gas-powered barbecues and stoves are permitted.
The Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley have both put fire restrictions in place. Fires are only allowed in campground fire pits and the use of charcoal barbecues are prohibited, but gas or propane powerad barbecues are allowed. All fire permits are suspended.
The Town of Okotoks has issues a fire advisory due to dry conditions, lack of significant rainfall and widlfires in the Banff area and in BC.
Under the advisory, small campfires are allowed and existing fire permits are valid, though new fire permits could be restricted.
Okotoks fire chief Ken Thevenot said it’s better to be safe than sorry.
He said he is monitoring conditions and smoke drifting in from wildfires.
“We had an extreme case going on here last year with Fort Mac, as it is with B.C. as well, but we haven’t got that far here,” said Thevenot. “I can tell you we’ve had some discussions here that if the air quality is going to stay bad we’re going to put a fire ban on.”
The Town implemented a fire ban a year ago after fires in Fort McMurray because of heavy smoke cover and incase Town fire personnel were called elsewhere.
That was the only time during his tenure with the Town that Thevenot has implemented a fire ban. He said fire pits haven’t historically been a problem in town, but they can contribute to smoke problems.
For more information about provincial fire bans visit albertafirebans.ca
