ST. PAUL - A fire restriction is being put into effect for the County of St. Paul, as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6.
Earlier in the day, the County of St. Paul was one of the few areas in the Lakeland without an active fire restriction. Many regions put restrictions in place ahead of Canada Day, or shortly after.
The restriction will be in place until such time that significant moisture is received, reads a media release from Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich, who is also the director of protective services.
"Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and other areas only with approved pits. Pits should be constructed of non-combustible material, and a spark arrester or metal guard should be in place while in use," reads the notice. No open fires are allowed within the County of St. Paul, such as brush piles, grass and fires in fields. No new burning permits will be issued while the restriction is in place.
"We ask everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly, and to ensure their campfires are attended to at all times and completely extinguished when finished."
Questions about the fire restriction can be directed to the County of St. Paul by calling 780-645-3301, or St. Paul Fire Services at 780-645-4100.
A recent incident that occurred near Lac Santé shows just how dry it is in the region. Fireworks were set off and caught fire in some nearby spruce trees. Kotowich confirmed the incident occurred on the north side of the lake, and that the St. Paul Fire Department did respond.
"We responded, bystanders very much had the fire under control when we arrived," said Kotowich. "The spruce trees were very dry, luckily the grass was quite green so the fire did not spread."
A heat wave made its way through the province last week, with some cooler temperatures experienced over the last few days, but little rain has been seen in the region. The forecast shows a return to warm temperature as early as Wednesday, when it is expected to feel like 29C in the St. Paul area, and even warmer in the following days.
Elsewhere in the Lakeland
A Fire Restriction was put into effect for the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon on June 29, prohibiting wood campfires on public lands, and burn barrels. All fire permits were also suspended.
Also on June 29, Lac La Biche County expanded its fire restriction.
"Small outdoor fires for cooking and warmth are still permitted on private lands. However, residents are asked to use extreme caution, and fully extinguish all flames after use," reads the Lac La Biche notice. Information for all areas of the province is available at albertafirebans.ca
The County of Two Hills put a fire restriction in place on July 3, and Smoky Lake County put a restriction in place on July 5.
"Fire pits, warming fires, barbeques and burn barrels will be allowed but must be supervised to ensure that they do not cause a secondary fire," according to the Smoky Lake notice.
To the north, a fire restriction was expanded to include most of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta "due to hot and dry conditions and increased fire danger." The fire restriction is now in effect for the Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, Peace River, Slave Lake and Whitecourt forest areas.
Existing fire permits are suspended; all outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer; wood campfires in back country or random camping areas are prohibited; but safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed in the Forest Protection Area.
"Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE," reads information from Alberta Fire Bans.
Information on wild fires burning in the province is also available online, by accessing the provincial wildfire status website.
