Fire advisories, restrictions, and bans are already popping up in Southern Alberta. Photo by Stephen Strand
While it is still only January, fire advisories, restrictions, and bans are already starting to pop up in Southern Alberta.
With the dry, warm weather much of Southern Alberta has experienced this January, counties are implementing fire advisories and restrictions to prevent fires from quickly spreading.
On January 12, the M.D. of Pincher Creek, the Village of Cowley, and Piikani First Nation issued a Fire Restriction, due to the recent warm weather and dry conditions.
Because of that, no new debris burn permits will be issued, existing permits will bot be extended, and fireworks are prohibited.
Meanwhile, existing and new recreational fire pits and burn barrel permits are still active and will be issued.
On top of that, officials are asking people to use caution with fire and off-highway vehicles.
This restrictions will remain in place until the conditions change.
On January 13, the City of Lethbridge issued a Fire Ban for all open fires in their river valley.
The current conditions in Lethbridge, which include warmer temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity, have increased the risk for fast-moving and uncontrolled fires.
The City warns that even a small spark can quickly spread in dry grass and brush.
Those in Lethbridge are being asked to use extra caution, do not light any open fires, and ensure all smoking materials are fully extinguished and disposed of in a safe way.
On January 14, the M.D. of Willow Creek issued a Fire Restriction, due to the ongoing dry conditions, as well as an increased risk of wildfire.
Due to the recent snow melt, cured grass and dry leaves have been exposed, which is able to be ignited easily and contribute to fast-moving wildfires.
The fire danger in the M.D. of Willow Creek is expected to remain high until the region receives a significant amount of rainfall or snowfall.
While all fire permits have been suspended, along with no new ones being issued, burn barrels, incinerators, and backyard fire pits that meet the bylaw requirements are still allowed.
Officials just ask that people use extreme caution while burning.
On January 15, Rocky View County issued a Fire Advisory due to the current conditions.
This is due to a moderate fire risk in the County, and the advisory will remain in effect as long as the current conditions remain.
Under this advisory, fire permits will no longer be issued for any fire, and existing fire permits are suspended.
The County asks the public to remain vigilant when burning what the restriction allows, but if the current conditions change, a fire ban may be imposed at any time.
Not only will fire permits no longer be issued under this advisory, all fireworks permits are suspended.
There are exceptions to the burning ban, such as indoor household fireplaces, incinerators, burning barrels, camp stoves that are properly attended, barbecues, wood pellet grills, propane and natural gas fire pits, recreational campfires that are in an approved burn pit, chimeneas, fires contained in approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreation areas, and oil well flaring.
Vulcan County issued a Fire Restriction on January 15, also due to the dry, windy, and warm conditions.
There is a very high risk of fire spreading in the County, especially in cured grass.
Under this restriction, all open fires are not permitted, and no new fire permits will be issued, while fires contained in a cooking appliance and campfires in designated fire sited in campgrounds are still allowed.
Vulcan County warns that the restriction may be upgraded to a full Fire Ban with little to no notice.
Meanwhile, the County of Newell, the M.D. of Taber, the Town of Taber, and the County of Forty Mile no.8 all have been under a Fire Advisory for several months.
Both the Town of Banff and Banff National Park have been under a Fire Restriction since 2024.
To stay up to date on fire advisories, restrictions, and bans in Alberta, click here.
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