LAKELAND - Hot, dry temperatures have resulted in some municipalities putting fire bans back in place this week - including those in the Bonnyville area.
The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) has put a fire ban in place as of May 29 at 2 p.m. This includes the MD of Bonnyville, Summer Villager of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon.
"Under this restriction, all existing fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued," according tot the BRFA. "All outdoor fires must be extinguished immediately."
No open fires are allowed, which includes campfires, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits and burn barrels on public or private land or campgrounds, according to the BRFA.
"Charcoal briquettes, tiki torches, exploding targets, and fireworks," are prohibited.
Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified, are allowed, along with gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating. Catalytic or infrared-style heaters are also allowed.
"We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible," says the BRFA.
Lac La Biche Forest Area and Caribou Lake fire
As of 2 p.m. on May 29, a fire ban is also in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
"Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended," according to information from the Government of Alberta.
There are currently five active wildfires burning in the forest area, according to the provincial government. Four fires are under control and one wildfire is out of control.
"Caribou Lake Wildfire (LWF090) is currently burning out of control and is an estimated 12,255 hectares in size. This wildfire was discovered on May 26 and began in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. This wildfire is burning 30 km southeast of the community of Conklin. Alberta Wildfire has crews, heavy equipment, helicopters and airtankers working the incident, however, the fire behavior is expected to be extreme today (May 29)."
