Officials around the Town & Country region are keeping an eye on fire hazards as dry conditions and warm temperatures keep the .
In the Lac La Biche wildfire management area, a fire advisory remains in place.
"This means that there will be no new fire permits issued, and all existing permits are now suspended," said Leslie Lozinski, the area's wildfire information officer. "Campfires within the forest area are still allowed, including backcountry fires too, but we urge campers to proceed with extreme caution."
Lozinski added that conditions throughout the area remain dry at this time.
"Humidity currently remains at very low levels," Lozinski said. "If it remains hot and windy, the wildfire danger will remain at a status from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Hot temperatures still remain lower than our humidity levels, and the wind within the area makes it all the more worse."
In Athabasca County, protective services director Ron Jackson said restrictions exist right across the county.
"Wood fires are only allowed in backyards in approved fire pits," Jackson said. "At this time, no yard clean-up or bonfires are allowed."
But at this time, Jackson said county is not issuing a complete fire ban.
"There's no pressing need yet," he said. "The land is still moist and green. But if they start to dry up, then we will rethink our status in terms of fires."
Residents can call the county office at 780-675-2273 for more information regarding fires.
According to the Town of Barrhead’s website, a town- and county-wide fire ban was implemented May 15, which also prohibits fireworks and the use of tannerite.
According to the Westlock County website, county fire services issued a fire ban May 14.
Alberta fire ban app
Meanwhile, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has released a new fire ban app.
"It allows people to access up-to-the minute information regarding the province's fire bans," Lozinski said. "It can be downloaded on any apple or android device, and it can be used to receive or update information anywhere within the province."
According to a provincial press release issued May 15, 99 per cent of all wildfires happening this year have been human-caused, with 274 springing up since wildfire season began March 1.
"The new app also complements the Wildfire App that we have had in place for the past two years," Lozinski continued. "This one also gives locations of wildfires, as well as its size, status, and all up-to-date information."
Besides the app, you can also check out www.albertafirebans.ca to check out current information regarding fire bans. If you see a fire, you can also contact officials by phone, at 310-FIRE (3473).
