Due to increasing wildfire danger and many active wildfires across the province, the Government of Alberta is implementing a fire ban for the entire Forest Protection Area, which includes areas of Crowsnest Pass.
Hot and dry conditions have led to 137 new wildfire starts since July 1 and heightened wildfire danger throughout the province.
Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands, such as national parks, are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place. You can visit the website or social media for your local municipality to confirm if a fire ban is in effect in their area.
As a result of the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area, all fire permits 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 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. 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,” says Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen.
Albertans may still use propane and natural gas-powered appliances and indoor wood fires inside a structure, such as a building, tent or RV, contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
