WESTLOCK – Following a week of multiple wildfires, including the massive Highridge fire on April 30, along with forecasted warm temperatures and continued dry and windy conditions, Westlock County has issued a complete fire ban.
The ban, issued just after 12 p.m., May 1, prohibits any open fires which includes all recreational fires on private and public lands, burn barrels, fireworks, exploding targets, and charcoal briquette barbeques — propane or natural gas-powered appliances for cooking and warming purposes are permitted.
All existing fire permits are suspended, or cancelled, no new permits will be issued and any fires presently burning must be extinguished. 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.
Currently prohibited are target shooting for recreational purposes and operation of any off-highway vehicle for recreational purposes on all public land located within Westlock County.
The order does not apply to the use of any off-highway vehicle on private lands or by any individual when 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.
Residents who live or travel in the forest fire protection area zone 44 must adhere to provincial ban and refer to Alberta Fire Control Zone Map here.
