WESTLOCK – The ongoing fire ban within Westlock County will remain in place until the region receives “a considerable amount of precipitation … over an extended period of time.”
That’s the word from county manager of protective services John Biro leading into the long weekend, as due to the size of the municipality “dryer conditions can exist in parts, while other parts have received moisture.” As of May 19, the Town of Westlock and Village of Clyde fire restrictions that were enacted May 1 alongside the county fire ban also remain — those municipalities have forbidden open burning and stopped issuing fire pit permits.
“Fire conditions need to be low throughout the county for the ban to be lifted. It is likely that when the fire ban is lifted, that it will be downgraded to a fire restriction which will allow some fire-related activities to resume, while some will remain restricted,” said Biro via e-mail May 18.
As part of the ban, no ATVs or OHVs are allowed on public land and roads, while open burning and firepit fires are forbidden along with fireworks, charcoal barbecues or wood pellet stoves, tiki torches, outdoor candles and burn barrels. Only propane barbecues and propane fire bowls are allowed.
“Westlock County Fire Services requests that everyone use extreme caution, always have a nearby water source, and stay vigilant in monitoring their properties for smoldering fires and lightning strikes,” Biro added.
To stay up to date with fire bans and restrictions, visit albertafirebans.ca and always call 9-1-1 immediately to report any fire as minutes and seconds can matter.
“And never try to extinguish a fire on your own,” he concluded.
