A fire advisory has returned to the entire West Country due to persistently dry, warm, and windy conditions.
The advisory, issued May 29, is in effect for the Clearwater County region, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, and the town of Rocky Mountain House.
The ongoing dry weather, combined with strong winds, has raised concerns about wildfire risks in the region.
Under the current advisory, certain activities are still allowed. Safe wood campfires are permitted on private land, including backyard fire pits. Charcoal briquette barbeques, gas and liquid-powered appliances like stoves, lanterns, and propane fire rings can also be used.
Open flame oil devices, such as turkey deep fryers and tiki torches, are allowed as well. Additionally, indoor wood fires, when contained within a device equipped with a chimney and spark arrestor, remain acceptable.
The fire advisory means that while existing fire permits remain valid, new permits will be issued only on a case-by-case basis. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to be extra cautious while engaging in outdoor activities.
The advisory comes amid increased wildfire activity on the prairies.
The town of Swan Hills in northern Alberta is under an evacuation order, while a similar order was issued for the community of Peers, about 35 km east of Edson.
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RELATED
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Saskatchewan and Manitoba are now under a state of emergency as rampaging wildfires have forced thousands to flee. A 30-day emergency declaration in Saskatchewan makes it easier for different levels of government to battle the fires that prompted the evacuation of more than four-thousand residents— mostly in the province’s northeast region.
The hardest-hit area is in Pelican Narrows near the Manitoba boundary.
In Manitoba, some 17-thousand people have had to escape to safety.
Additionally, Alberta Wildfire officials have listed the wildfire danger as “high” in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area.
Residents can check for updates on Alberta Fire Bans for the latest information. If you see smoke in the forest or signs of wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
~ with files from The Canadian Press
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