A fire ban has been issued for the entire Forest Protection Area in Alberta. (Photo: Alberta Wildfire)

By Tanner Smith

Province issues fire ban for the entire forest protection area

Jul 11, 2024 | 8:28 AM

Due to increasing wildfire danger and many active wildfires across the province, Alberta’s government is implementing a fire ban for the entire Forest Protection Area as of Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Provincial officials say hot and dry conditions have led to 137 new wildfire starts since July 1 and a heightened wildfire danger throughout the province. In response to these conditions, Alberta’s government is implementing a fire ban encompassing all of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands, such as national parks, are exempt from this ban. Officials say these jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place. Albertans should visit the website or social media for their local municipality to confirm if a fire ban is in effect in their area.

Most of southern Alberta is not in the Forest Protection Area, but Crowsnest Pass and areas immediately to the north of it are. Those areas are included in the fire ban.

A fire ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area in Alberta. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 16, 2024

Aug 16, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 2, 2024

Aug 02, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: July 26, 2024

Jul 26, 2024

Prohibitions under the ban

As a result of the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area, all fire permits issued by Alberta’s government are now suspended or cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued while the ban is in place. Certain allowances can be made for essential agricultural or industrial burning, but only when approved by a forest officer.

Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds and backyard firepits are strictly prohibited in the Forest Protection Area. In addition to these restrictions, Albertans may not use a charcoal briquette barbeque, fireworks or exploding targets. It is crucial that Albertans avoid any activities that fall under this ban to prevent new wildfires from breaking out.

“Alberta has been experiencing difficult conditions in recent days, and the risk of new wildfire starts is extremely high throughout the province,” says Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “Now, more than ever, Albertans must work together to protect our communities and forests by remaining vigilant, spending time outdoors responsibly and avoiding activities that can cause a wildfire.”

Activities permitted under the ban

Albertans may still use propane- and natural gas-powered appliances, and indoor wood fires inside a structure, such as a building, tent or RV, that are contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.

Albertans play an important role in keeping our province safe this wildfire season. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. And remember, over the past five years, 67 per cent of wildfires have been caused by human activity, meaning prevention is a shared responsibility.

Click here for a current list of Alberta fire bans, restrictions, and advisories.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.