There will be no more campfires until further notice for Rocky View County (RVC) residents.
On Aug. 25, the County put a fire ban in place due to hot weather and dry conditions. Previously, a fire advisory was implemented in the County Aug. 6.
“We are trying to keep the safety of our residents in mind here,” said Fire Chief Randy Smith.
A fire ban is the highest level of fire restriction in Alberta. According to Smith, the ban means residents will not be able to have campfires. Additionally, incinerators, burning barrels and fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas are also prohibited. However, people can still use barbecues and propane fire pits.
“Unfortunately the risk is too high right now for fires to spread,” Smith said.
The decision to implement a fire ban stems from continuous stretches of hot weather in addition to no rain, Smith said.
“RVC is a bit unique,” he said. “We have a vast area here, so one size has to fit all.”
Smith said RVC may consider lifting the fire ban when weather trends permit it. A few days of steady rain along with a difference in trends that can support permit and camp fire burning are discussed daily during a fire ban.
“Some people accuse me of putting a fire ban during a long weekend,” Smith said. “We try to avoid that. When the risk is high, that is when we start taking action.”
Smith said fire bans are a common occurrence in RVC, although the number fluctuates depending on weather conditions. This year has seen a few fire restrictions, but this is the first full ban, he said.
“It’s totally dependent on the weather,” Smith said. “We were very fortunate this year to have a super wet spring.”
With the amount of rain in RVC during the spring, Smith said land in the County generally avoided dryness.
“That made life a lot easier for us,” he said. “The situation doesn’t change overnight. Conditions don’t change from yesterday to today to make a ban come on; it’s progressive.”
Smith added people should observe the fire ban out of respect for their neighbours.
“A fire gone wrong has the potential to not only impact a resident and their property, but fires can spread very quickly, which can impact your neighbours.”
Smith also said if residents opt to ask for forgiveness rather than permission for a fire during the ban, RVC bylaw officers will be present to issue fines of around $1,000.
“It can be fairly expensive forgiveness,” Smith said. “We encourage people to comply with the fire ban. It’s there for a good reason.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
