Fire ban extended to southern Alberta

Tinder-dry conditions throughout southern Alberta have prompted the province to extend a sweeping fire ban, which now stretches from Red Deer to the U.S. border.

On Sunday, the province extended restrictions on open flame announced earlier in the week to include the southern portion of the Calgary Forest Area along the Rocky Mountains and foothills to the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Under the current advisory, open fires — including both campfires and fireworks — aren’t allowed, while fire permits are suspended.

The ban doesn’t apply to gas or propane stoves, barbecues and portable fire pits.

Anyone caught violating the ban could face a $287 fine, and be responsible for the costs of fighting any resulting fire.

Most of southern Alberta is now considered under some level of fire restriction.

“The continued hot and dry weather across much of southern Alberta has created an extreme fire hazard,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said in a release.

“That’s why we are taking these steps to help reduce the risk of human-caused fires.”

As of Sunday, Alberta fire crews were battling 24 wildfires across the province, 14 of which were considered out of control. To date in 2018, the province has seen 1,092 fires across some 52,590 hectares.