ATHABASCA – Following a week of too much heat, not enough moisture and multiple fires in the area, Athabasca County has issued a total fire ban.
The ban, issued around 9 a.m., May 1, prohibits any open fires which includes all recreational fires on private and public lands, burn barrels, fireworks and exploding targets, and charcoal briquette barbeques, although propane or natural gas-powered appliances for cooking and warming purposes are permitted.
All existing fire permits are suspended, or cancelled, and any fires presently burning must be extinguished. No new permits will be issued. Anyone who has conducted open burning during the winter is reminded to check their burn site to ensure piles are completely extinguished to reduce the risk of a spring holdover fire.
At this time, Athabasca County has not implemented a restriction on OHV use, but everyone is urged to use caution when working or driving in grassy areas and to be mindful of debris collecting on hot exhaust which could result in the ignition of a fire.
Residents who live in the Alberta Forest Protection Area must adhere to the provincial regulations, although the municipalities of Island Lake, Island Lake South, Whispering Hills, West and South Baptiste, and Sunset Beach have issued fire bans.
