Rocky View County upgraded its Level I Fire Ban to Level II, suspending all outstanding burning permits until further notice, April 23.
The move was made after the municipality downgraded a ban last week.
ìThe ban was downgraded last week to allow residents to dispose of accumulated materials,î said Ken McMullen, Fire Services chief. ìConditions still remain extremely dry, creating prime conditions for the igniting and spreading of a fire.î
A Level II Fire Ban represents a severe fire risk. Current dry conditions can cause hay fields, crops, grass and brush to ignite easily and fires to spread quickly.
This ban includes incinerators for farm and acreage use, regulated burning barrels, solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes), recreational camp fires with an approved burn pit 24 inches in diameter or less and chimineas.
ìTo be proactive, we have been advising residents to cut all the high, dry grass and shrubs surrounding their homes and accessory buildings,î said McMullen.
ìOur rural residents especially need to exercise this precaution due their exposure to winds and expanse of dry grass.î
Exemptions include internal household fireplaces, camp stoves, propane and natural gas barbecues and fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas.
For more information on the ban, contact McMullen at 403-478-8164.
