Fire ban in place for entire Forest Protection Area in Alberta

A fire ban is taking affect in place for the entire Forest Protection Area in Alberta on Wednesday.

The province put the ban in place as of 4 p.m. and includes Kananaskis Country and much of the Foothills west of Calgary, but national parks and towns are exempt from the ban.

“Hot and dry conditions have led to 137 new wildfire starts since July 1 and heightened wildfire danger throughout the province,” reads a release from the province. “Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands, such as national parks, are exempt from this ban.”

The ban means all outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public or private land, designated campgrounds and backyard firepits are prohibited. People in the Forest Protection Area can no longer use charcoal briquette barbeque, fireworks or exploding targets.

All fire permits issued by the province are now suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued while the ban remains in place.

“Alberta has been experiencing difficult conditions in recent days, and the risk of new wildfire starts is extremely high throughout the province,” says Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen. “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.”

The province said Tuesday the wildfire danger in Alberta is climbing to very high and extreme levels due to the heat wave this week.

The community of Garden River in northern Alberta was ordered to evacuate due to a wildfire on Wednesday. A provincial alert says residents are not in immediate danger, but there are concerns the fire could cut off access to the only road into the community.