On May 11, Rocky View County's Fire Services upgraded a previous fire advisory into a fire ban. The Fire ban is in effect for East & West Rocky View County effective immediately due to changing conditions.

The ban will remain in effect as long as high-risk conditions remain.

During a fire ban, all burning and fireworks permits are suspended, and burning is banned with the following exceptions:

  • Indoor household fireplaces
  • Camp stoves (properly attended)
  • Barbecues (charcoal briquettes, propane, or natural gas)
  • Wood pellet grills
  • Propane/natural gas fire pit
  • Oil well flaring (registration required -- call 403-264-1022)

As of the afternoon of May 11, the City of Airdrie has upgraded its own fire advisory to a fire restriction. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

According to the city, a fire restriction means a higher level of warning before a fire ban. Certain types of burning will be restricted, while certain types will be allowed. It is important to read the details of the fire restriction as they will vary from municipality to municipality. Under this restriction, all existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.

Prohibited actions include:

  • Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a residential backyard fire pit, is prohibited
  • Burning barrel use
  • Incinerator fire
  • Consumer fireworks 

Exemptions include:

  • Acceptable residential fire pits/wood campfires (Before setting up a campfire, be sure it is allowed and that you follow all the guidelines. All fire bans will be kept current here.)
  • Natural gas, propane fire pits that are CSA-approved or ULC certified
  • Natural gas, propane or electric stoves, barbecues and smokers that are CSA-approved or ULC certified
  • Solid fuelled barbeque appliances, where the primary source of fuel consists of charcoal, briquettes or wood
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters that are CSA-approved or UL certified
  • Approved fires contained in industrial facilities or sites (energy, forestry or agricultural)

The province-wide fire ban applies also inside the Forest Protection Area as well as provincial parks. This means that no open burning is allowed, including backyard fire pits.

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