Crews gain ground on fires, bans continue

Although crews have made progress in containing 22 wildfires across the province, fire bans remain in effect for most of southern Alberta.

“We’ve definitely seen an improvement since Friday,” said wildfire information officer Travis Fairweather. “On midSaturday the weather started to co-operate with us, so certainly (there’s) an improvement since last week.”

There are fire bans or restrictions stretching from north of Red Deer down to the U.S. border, and Banff National Park east to Saskatchewan.

Under a fire ban, no open fires are allowed, including fireworks and campfires, and all fire permits are suspended. Any person breaking the ban could face a $287 fine or be responsible for the costs of fighting the fire.

There are no bans or restrictions in place for Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks or High River.

As of Monday, there are 22 active wildfires burning across Alberta, all of which are being held or under control.

Throughout most of the province fire danger is considered to be low to moderate, with some areas in southern Alberta moderate to high. There are 759 firefighters deployed and prepositioned throughout the province, as well as 63 helicopters and 16 air tankers.

Fairweather said two wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House area, about 75 kilometres west of Red Deer, were previously out of control but are being held as of Monday morning. A fire in Peace River Forest was discovered Monday afternoon but was brought under control by 5 p.m.