As of 9 a.m. on May 9, the County of Wetaskiwin is under a total fire ban due to the increased risk of wildfire from the dry, windy conditions and high temperatures.
No outdoor fires are allowed, including:
• Open burning
• Fires contained to burn barrels, fire pits or charcoal barbecues
All outdoor fires currently burning must be extinguished immediately.
The discharge of fireworks is not allowed.
All fire permits are suspended, and no new fire permits will be issued for the duration of the total fire ban.
Residents can use cooking and heating appliances, including barbecues, fire pits and patio heaters, that are fuelled by liquid fuel such as propane or natural gas. Pellet fuelled cooking is allowed with extreme caution.
Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hot spots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair.
Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry fuels to ignite into a wildfire and spread easily.
The total fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
More information on reducing hazards on rural properties can be found at firesmart.ca.
Leduc County is also issued a full fire ban on May 6.
No outdoor fires are allowed, including open fires, smudge fires, campfires, recreational fires (fire pits), or fires contained to burn barrels. Fires burning when the ban is issued must be extinguished immediately. The discharge of fireworks is not allowed, and wood or pellet-fuelled smokers are also prohibited during a fire ban.
"We advise County residents to use extreme caution when using anything that could cause a fire to ignite, including grinding or welding tools or even a vehicle's exhaust in dry grass," said Leduc County director of Protective Services and fire Chief Tylor Bennett.
"Due to increased winds and dry conditions, fires can ignite and become uncontrollable extremely quickly."
Learn more at leduc-county.com.
