Westlock County amended its current fire ban May 25 to include the use of off-highway vehicles, exploding shooting targets and fireworks on Crown land as a means of preventing further wildfires.
The county has been under a total fire ban since May 14, the day after the weekend of the Echo Lake fire that burned through 250 hectares of forest. The Town of Westlock issued its own fire ban, which is also still in effect, the same day.
The issuance of fire permits by Westlock County fire guardians is also prohibited under the ban, along with all open fires including campfires in campgrounds, back-country and random camping areas as well as backyard fire pits. Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches are also banned.
However, there are a number of exceptions.
Off-highway vehicle use is allowed on private land, by commercial and industrial operations as required and by Indigenous people for traditional use.
Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved are allowed in backyards and managed campgrounds. Gas and propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved and designed for cooking or heating in backyards and managed campgrounds are also allowed.
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters in backyards and managed campgrounds are also still allowed as well as internal household fireplaces with approved spark arresters. For more visit www.westlockcounty.com.
Meanwhile questions around the cause of the Echo Lake fire and who should be held responsible still abound.
Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken said he has met with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier and his staff to discuss what they’re doing to help equip and educate municipalities and individuals. They also discussed the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government, he said.
van Dijken said he was eager to touch base with the county after a May 24 meeting with government officials — details were unavailable before deadline.
