Rocky View County (RVC) has implemented a new way of issuing fire advisories and bans in the region.
According to Gary Barnett, deputy fire chief with RVC Fire Services, fire advisories and bans will now be issued using east and west regions, with the Queen Elizabeth II Highway as the dividing boundary between the two areas. Previously, fire bans were issued for the county as a whole.
“The change came from resident feedback, really,” Barnett said. “With the county being so big, conditions can be different from place to place. It gives us a little more flexibility, now we are not putting a complete blanket advisory if there is no need to.”
As of press time on July 2, the County’s fire officials had implemented a fire advisory in both the east and west regions of RVC. The advisory status means permit burning in the county is banned due to dry, windy and hot conditions, as much as the province has been experiencing an intense heat wave.
The advisory also meant fireworks were not permitted for Canada Day celebrations in RVC this year.
“Unfortunately, we did approve quite a few firework permits, but it is just way to risky right now to allow people to start shooting fireworks off,” Barnett said, prior to the July 1 celebration. “It’s not worth taking the risk with the conditions we have right now.”
At the time of publication, RVC and much of the province were experiencing a severe heat wave, with RVC under a heat warning issued by Environment Canada. For more than a week, daily temperatures reached above 30 C, with one day reaching as high as 37 C.
Barnett said hot weather creates dry conditions, which are a perfect storm in terms of fires potentially starting. He also asked for residents to remain cautious this upcoming weekend, as the hot weather is expected to stick around.
“Make sure your fires are completely out,” Barnett said. “Just be really cautious with everything.”
Barnett is asking the public to stay connected to the County’s website to stay updated with fire advisories and bans, as they can change in an instant.
For more information on current bans and advisories, visit rockyview.ca
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
