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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

remain cautious

City’s fire ban rescinded, but advisories & bans remain in effect around region

May 25, 2023 | 4:09 PM

The City of Red Deer’s fire ban has been rescinded, for now.

The City says residents must remain cautious.

“Red Deer Emergency Services, Environmental Initiatives and Parks continue to monitor the conditions and a fire ban will be issued if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or greater, of if the Fine Fuel Moisture Content (FFMC) or Initial Spread Index (ISI) from the Alberta Climate Information Services reaches Extreme,” The City says in a release.

Residents are asked to do their part to reduce the fire risk:

• Do not throw out cigarettes into easily combustible materials, such as vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grass mulch, leaves, or similar items. They can easily catch fire.
• Do not discard smoking materials out vehicle windows.
• Ensure fire pits are properly monitored and fully extinguished.
• Learn more about proper use of fire pits by reviewing the rules and regulations in Fire Permit Bylaw 3387/2007 (pdf).

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Meantime, a fire ban is now a fire advisory for Ponoka.

The following are now permitted, though Town officials urge the same caution as in Red Deer:

• Bylaw compliant fire pits (with the screen in place);

• Portable propane fire pits and appliances; and

• Barbecues and smokers using charcoal and pellets.

All fire pits within the Town of Ponoka are required to:

• Be at least three metres from buildings, property lines, or anything else that could catch fire;

• Be equal to or less than 0.6 metres (two feet) high;

• Be equal to or less than one metre (three feet) wide;

• Have fully enclosed sides made of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy-gauge metal or other non-combustible materials;

• Have a non-combustible mesh screen that covers the top of the fire pit with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (.5 inches) to stop sparks from flying out; and

• Have a water hose, fire extinguisher or some other acceptable means of controlling or extinguishing the fire nearby.

Town of Sylvan Lake – fire ban lifted

Red Deer County – fire ban lifted; fire restrictions in effect

a) All outdoor fires presently burning within Red Deer County whether set with permission or under permit of the County, will remain valid for the duration of the permit, and
b) The ignition of all new outdoor fires within the boundaries of Red Deer County are hereby prohibited, and c) No new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

This ban DOES NOT apply to:

a) Fires, which are contained within cooking and heating appliances and which are fueled by fluids, gases, or wood pellets;
b) Fires contained within industrial facilities for operational purposes;
c) Safe acceptable residential fire pits* and incinerators;
d) Approved Gas/Propane fueled fire pits/stoves/barbecues;
e) Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.

Town of Innisfail – fire ban

Town of Bowden – fire ban

Lacombe County – fire advisory

Ponoka County – fire advisory

Clearwater County – fire ban

For the latest, visit albertafirebans.ca.