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Westlock County ratchets up fire restriction

High winds and dry conditions are behind April 15 order that bans target shooting and ATVs on public lands
echo lake DSC_9801
Due to dry spring conditions Westlock County issued an updated fire restriction order April 15.

WESTLOCK – Off-road vehicles used for recreational purposes on public lands, target shooting and burn barrels are just a few of the things now banned in Westlock County following an updated April 15 fire restriction.

County protective services manager John Biro issued the more stringent order Thursday morning, citing dry and windy conditions as some of the reasons behind it — the municipality enacted its first restriction of the year March 23. Residents who live or travel in the forest fire protection area zone 44 must adhere to the provincial ban and are referred to the Alberta Fire Control Map.

“We’re updating the restriction due to the conditions and we’re more than likely looking at more restrictions as time goes on. It’s dry, the snow has pretty well depleted in the forest fringes — before if we had a grass fire it would typically stop at the edge of the bush because of the snow cover, but now it would sweep right through,” said Biro.

“And now it’s going to get warmer and typically when it warms up we end up with high winds which is a very big concern as it can cause the fire to spread really fast.

“The lands are still open for public access so if they want to walk their dog or go for a horse ride that’s fine. And at least they’ll be a lot safer now and not have to worry about being shot at or run over by an ATV.”

Biro also went on to note that the April 6 Echo Lake blaze that was likely caused by an abandoned campfire in an area well known for shooters and ATVers also led to the decision.

“We’re just trying to eliminate some of the issues from the past (ATVs and target shooting) that cause us grief,” said Biro.

“There’s a concern for our safety and the safety of residents in the Echo Lake area as well. The last fire we fought out there we had active shooters right beside us. And we didn’t know where they were or where they were shooting at. This last fire, when the peace officer got out there and actually found and stopped them, he said they were shooting in our direction. So it’s pretty scary for our guys to be out there.

“And if there are ATVers out there on their quads and if they’re wearing a helmet they can’t hear people shooting. They could be in the line of sight of these guys shooting and wouldn’t even know it. They could come around a corner and these guys could be taking pot shots at a tin can or refrigerator …”

What’s banned, what’s allowed

As part of the order, fire permits will be restricted to essential burning only — small debris and crop removal — while permits will not be issued for large brush. All fires need to be supervised and extinguished as the order notes water or extinguishing equipment must be on hand.

“It is recommended that all burn permits that were previously issued be checked to ensure that they are out and not cause a spring grass fire,” Biro’s release notes.

Target shooting for recreational purposes, exploding targets and tracer rounds, backcountry wood fires on public and private land, tiki torches and fireworks are all banned, as are burn barrels and fires with charcoal briquettes. Off-highway vehicles on public lands are also banned, although people can continue to use them on private property. ATVs are also allowed if the person is exercising a right recognized and affirmed under Part II of the Constitution Act, 1982 or a right under section 12 of the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement or when travelling to a location to exercise such a right.

“Westlock County urges everyone to use extreme caution when working or driving in grassy areas, be mindful of hot exhaust and keep vehicles clean and free of debris as smoldering debris can fall off and start fires,” the release goes on to state.

Backyard fire pits are still allowed, but there must be a minimum of three metres from the nearest edge of the pit to buildings, property lines or other combustible materials. The pit must have a metal screen with openings no larger than 12.5 millimetres and be constructed of expanded metal.

Also still allowed are portable propane fire pits, which are CSA approved or UL certified, professional engineered incinerators and designated fire rings in registered campgrounds. For more, visit the fire services portion of Westlock County’s website.

George Blais, TownandCountryToday.com

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