By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

New fire bans issued as hot, dry weather persists

Aug 9, 2018 | 12:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Rural areas across southern Alberta have begun implementing fire bans, while other communities remain under restrictions amid the hot dry weather.

Lethbridge County issued a fire ban Thursday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. The only exceptions are for appliances fueled by gas or propane, such as barbecues and stoves. All fire permits are cancelled and no new ones will be issued.

Municipal District of Taber has a total fire ban in effect as of noon Thursday, Aug. 9 including backyard campfires, burn pits, barrels, in campgrounds, and any landfill within the municipal boundaries. All waste should go to the landfill instead of being burned, and all fire permits are suspended with no new ones being issued.

Vulcan County has issued a fire ban as of Thursday, Aug. 9. It includes all burning except for propane-fueled appliances. The county has also banned non-commercial use of off-highway vehicles.

The Town of Claresholm issued a fire ban Aug. 9 including wood campfires, charcoal briquette barbecues, turkey fryers, tiki torches, and burn barrels. Gas/propane fire rings, barbecues, stoves, and heaters are permitted.

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The MD of Willow Creek issued a fire ban Aug. 9, which includes Open fires (all burn permits are suspended), incinerators on farms and acreages, burning barrels and recreation wood campfires and fire pits. Gas and propane BBQ’s and fire pits are allowed, along with infrared heaters.

The County of Warner has issued a fire ban as of Thursday, Aug.9. It includes all burning except for propane-fueled appliances. 

A fire ban issued for the City of Lethbridge River Valley on July 17 remains in effect, including fire pits and stoves in picnic shelters.

The provincial government has issued a fire restriction for the Calgary Forest Area, south of Highway 32 to the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park. This includes private land, backcountry, and non-designated camping sites. Campfires are still permitted in designated fire rings in campgrounds, and gas/propane appliances are allowed as well. Fireworks and exploding targets are banned.

Other communities are under advisories or restrictions that may be updated to bans as the situation worsens. Check albertafirebans.ca for updates.