Most of southern Alberta is under a fire ban or restriction.
The dry weather Southern Alberta has been experiencing is causing more fire restrictions and bans being implemented.
Starting north of Calgary, Mountain View County issued a Fire Restriction on May 4.
Under this Restriction, all outdoor fires must be extinguished and lighting any outdoor fires is prohibited, which includes open fires, fireworks, recreational fires, and fires that have previously received a fire permit.
While the Fire Restriction is in effect, though, acceptable burning barrels, acceptable fire pits, acceptable outdoor fireplaces, BBQs, household fireplaces, and AER flaring is still permitted.
Kneehill County also has a Fire Restriction in place, implemented on May 5.
Under this Fire Restriction, safe campfires are allowed in fire rings only, gas or propane stoves/BBQs and portable propane fire pits are allowed.
Current fire permits in Kneehill County may be suspended or cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued.
While this restriction is in place, Kneehill County’s Torrington and Linden Transfer Sites are temporarily unable to accept burn pit materials.
On May 4, Starland County issued a Fire Advisory.
Under this Advisory, controlled burn permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis and could be revoked at any time.
Even though this Advisory is in place, it does not apply to BBQs, fire pits, and other recreational fires.
On May 5, the Town of Trochu issued a Fire Restriction.
But, campfires are allowed as long as they are contained within an approved fire pit.
The Town of Cochrane issued a Fire Advisory on May 6. While there are no restrictions in place, residents are being asked to take precautions while having a fire.
On May 1, Rocky View County issued a Fire Ban.
Under this ban, all fires are to be extinguished, as all burning and fireworks permits are suspended.
Indoor household fireplaces, camp stoves, BBQs, wood pellet grills, propane/natural gas fire pits, and oil well flaring is still allowed.
Wheatland County implemented a Fire Advisory on May 5.
As as result of that Fire Advisory, all outstanding permits are suspended until further notice.
This prohibits fire permits and fireworks permits.
On May 4, Vulcan County upgraded their Fire Advisory to a Fire Restriction.
As a result, all open fires will be prohibited and no new fire permits will be issued.
But, safe residential fire pits and safe campfires in campground are allowed, and so are gas or propane stoves/BBQs when used properly, charcoal briquette and solid fuel BBQs, Chimeneas, internal household fireplaces, and wood pellet smokers.
The County of Newell implemented a Fire Restriction on May 6.
Under this Restriction, all fires including low hazard (family style fireworks), exploding targets, burning barrels, charcoal briquettes, sky lanterns, and incinerators are not allowed.
Even though there is a Fire Restriction in place, approved gas or propane cooking appliances, portable propane fire pits, recreational fire pits, campfires in a designated fire containment units in approved campgrounds, and wood pellet smokers are allowed.
Foothills County implemented a Fire Restriction on May 8.
As a result, fire permits will not be issued for Class 1 and Class 2 fires, and any outstanding permits will be cancelled.
Under this Restriction, safe residential fire puts and safe campfires in campgrounds, gas or propane stoves/BBQs, charcoal briquette and solid fuel BBQs, chimineas, internal household fireplaces, wood pellet smokers, and incinerators are still allowed.
The M.D. of Willow Creek implemented a Fire Restriction on May 12, resulting in all fire permits being suspended, with no new ones being issued for the time being.
Burn barrels, incinerators, and backyard fire pits are still allowed.
Cypress County issued a Fire Restriction on May 4, restricting what can be burned in the County.
The County of Forty Mile, which is tucked along the American border, is under a Fire Advisory, since May 5.
The Town of Taber has had a Fire Advisory in effect since February, 2025, with the M.D. of Taber has had a Fire Advisory in effect since June, 2025.
To stay on top of fire bans and restriction in the province, click here.
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