WESTLOCK – Citing the “rising fire hazard” as high winds and no rain continue to plague the region, the Town of Westlock has put a fire restriction into place as of 4 p.m., May 1, that forbids open burning and sees the issuance of fire pit permits suspended.
And while those restrictions are in place, the use of backyard fire pits used for warming or cooking, propane BBQs, portable propane fireplaces and propane heaters is still permitted, while town residents with a valid fire pit permit must follow all conditions outlined within it.
“The Town of Westlock urges everyone to use extreme caution during this current period of dry conditions within the region,” reads a statement from the municipality.
County ban
Following a week of multiple wildfires, including the massive Highridge fire April 30, Westlock County issued a complete fire ban May 1.
The current county ban 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 the 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.
For updates visit either the Westlock County or Town of Westlock websites or the Alberta Fire Bans website.
