SUNDRE – Provincial officials downgraded the fire ban and off-highway vehicle (OHV) restriction in the Rocky Mountain Forest Protection Area.
A press release issued earlier today – Friday, May 26 – announced the amendment to the fire ban and restriction on OHVs.
As of 10 a.m., the fire ban and OHV restriction have been lifted in the Rocky Mountain Forest Protection Area.
However, a fire restriction remains in place as the risk of wildfire remains moderate with no rain in the forecast for at least a couple of days.
That means fire permits in the Rocky Mountain Forest Protection Area are still not being issued and outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land remain prohibited, along with charcoal briquettes and the use of fireworks and exploding targets.
However, the following is now allowed:
• wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds;
• charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds;
• propane/natural gas-powered appliances;
• open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches);
• indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor;
• all appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.
Visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province. Report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-3473 (FIRE).
Meanwhile, the Town of Sundre earlier this week lifted its own fire ban. Red Deer County lifted its fire ban today which means the fire ban has also been lifted in Bowden.
