LAKELAND – Residents living in many areas within the MD of Bonnyville and Lac La Biche County can still enjoy a backyard fire and ride on the ATV, despite a fire and off-highway vehicle ban that has been put in place by the provincial government.
Municipal officials in both northeastern Alberta municipalities are saying that snowcover, moisture, and perhaps a need for people to be able to get out during the fifth week of social distancing have influenced their decision not to implement restrictions similar to the province. Small fires in engineered fire pit structures will be permitted for residents not living in provincially-mandated green zone areas.
The provincial government announced a number of measures to reduce wildfires went into effect on April 15, including a ban on all fires within Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, provincial parks, and protected areas. The northern portion of the MD lies within the Lac La Biche Forest Protection Area and falls under these regulations.
During the MD of Bonnyville committee meeting on April 15, general manager of environmental and protective services Matt Janz explained administration doesn’t believe they should follow the province’s lead in that regard.
“Administration’s feelings at this time, because of the snow that we still have right now, we feel that we’re not prepared to follow suit on the fire ban within the MD,” he explained. “We keep monitoring it daily, but right now we don’t feel like we should follow suit with the whole municipal wide fire ban
In neighbouring Lac La Biche County, regional Fire Chief John Kokotilo says the area is unique in that it is surrounded by the Forest Protection Area of the Lac La Biche Forest, and generally, to keep thing simple for residents, the municipality follows provincial fire ban regulations.
"It can get confusing if we don't mimic provincial rules — but we are making this small provision this time around," he said, adding that a part of the reasoning to allow backyard firepits was to give residents a break from their isolated routines. "We know the public has been all cooped up, and we still have quite a bit of snow on the ground."
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Greg Sawchuk has received a number of phone calls from people looking for clarification on the provinces fire ban announcement, and says he wasn’t sure the ban was right for all municipalities.
“I think the province painted the entire province with one brush here. Maybe it’s warranted in the south as far as the fire ban, but I think the fire ban is being used as a tool and it’s not being used correctly in this case in this region,” he stated.
Others on the MD council preferred to be allowed to make their own policies for their own residents.
“I’m thinking the province is getting involved in a few too many things that they shouldn’t," said Coun. Marc Jubinville. "They’ve got enough on their plate that they shouldn’t be concerned, especially about this area where we’ve still got a foot and a half of snow out there.”'
Fire Smart funding
All Alberta communities are eligible this year for a piece of the $20 million in Fire Smart funding the province is allocating. In Lac La Biche County, Kokotilo says those funds in past years have been useful to educate the public about fire safety and prevention. The funds have also been used to offer tree and brush mulching services to residents whose properties contain potential wildfire hazards.
Kokotilo, who is also the manager of the county's protective services department, says the success of the municipalities' plans to allow backyard fires depends on one big factor along with weather.
"People make the difference. They can have their backyard fires, but they still need to do it safely. They are still responsible for it. If a small firepit gets out of hand it can be very costly," Kokotilo said, adding that a total ban can be implemented if the public don't respect the situation. "We are offering a bit of leeway, but a total ban can be implemented by us at any time."
The province's fire ban announcement also came with fines being doubled for non-compliance with the fire ban, up $300 to $600 for fire and up $600 to $1,200 for those choosing to ride their OHV in the areas indicated. An additional $5-million will also be invested in hiring and training 200 high-quality firefighters to assist with the provincial wildfire suppression.
Fire season officially began on April 1. Around the region, municipal fire permits for larger fires issued before the provincial fire ban have been suspended. In Lac La Biche County there were already 30 burning permits that had been issued before the province's fire ban. Those permits, mainly for burning windrows and burning barrels, have all been suspended until further notice.
St. Paul
In the St. Paul region, the situation is similar with no municipal ban in place.
The provincial ban does not affect the County of St. Paul, confirmed Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich. It does, however, affect Crown Land within the county, such as the Grazing Reserve.
"As always, whenever we consider a fire restriction or fire ban, a number of factors come into play," said Kotowich. Those factors include temperature, winds, relative humidity, and spring run-off. "As you can see, weather and drying conditions will play an important factor in the determination of restrictions or bans."
Kotowich said he would like to remind everyone, that for any open burning in the County of St. Paul burning permits are required. Permits are free, and can be obtained by calling 780-645-3301.
"If you do not get a permit, and still burn, costs associated with the response will be levied against the landowner. Backyard fire pits are allowed, including within the Town of St. Paul," clarified Kotowich.
Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle Rob McKinley, Lac La Biche POST
