ATHABASCA – A Fire Control Order is now in effect for lands within Athabasca County, not including the Forest Protection Area.
As of 1 p.m. April 10, Athabasca County Fire Services will be enforcing the restriction, which means new fire permits will not be issued, existing permits will not be renewed, and all existing open burning permits are cancelled.
Fires in bylaw complaint fire pits or burn barrels are not included.
The order remains in effect until amended or revoked by the County.
A spokesperson for the county reminded residents to use extreme caution when recreating outdoors.
“Motorized vehicles travelling through dry grass can quickly start a fire with hot exhaust components,” said an April 10 release. “Campfires, while still allowed, are only permitted in designed fire pits and must comply with conditions listed in Section 7 of the Fire Services Bylaw.”
At the time of writing, the County of Barrhead and Westlock County both have fire advisories in place, as does the Forest Protection Area.
