ATHABASCA – Athabasca County has declared a fire ban for the areas outside of the Forest Protection Area as the dry weather and heavy wind continues in the region.
Under the fire ban, the lighting of outdoor fires is prohibited, including all open fires, campfires, briquettes barbecues, burn barrels, and any type of fire used for cooking.
The use of off highway vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited on public lands. This restriction does not apply to OHVs operated as part of emergency response operations.
The issuance of new fire permits is prohibited and all existing permits are suspended.
The restriction doesn't include CSA approved cooking appliances fuelled by liquid fuel, including camp stoves, CSA approved portable fire pits, or electronically operated pellet smokers.
Athabasca County has already been impacted by wildfires this season. Wildfire responses can tax local emergency services creating greater risk in the region. Grass and other light fuels are currently very dry, resulting in rapidly spreading fires that require significant resources to extinguish. At this time of year, most fires are human caused and are preventable," read a release from Athabasca County.
"Failure to comply with this control order will result in enforcement action which may include fines, municipal orders, and/or the levying of fees associated with fire control and extinguishment."
The Lac La Biche Forest Area, which includes Calling Lake and Wandering River, is in a fire advisory until further notice. Westlock County has issued a fire restriction, and the County of Barrhead is in a fire ban.
