Residents in Rocky Mountain House and eastern Clearwater County are being urged to use extra caution as a fire advisory remains in effect across the area amid continued hot, dry weather and an elevated wildfire risk.

The advisory also covers most of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area — the western portion of Clearwater County.

Under the advisory, campfires are allowed in approved fire pits and on private land, but must be fully extinguished after use.

Existing fire permits remain valid, but officials say extensions may not be granted. New fire permits will only be issued on a case-by-case basis for essential burning.

Meanwhile, a separate fire restriction remains in place for the southern portion of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, including the Municipal District of Bighorn and Mountain View County.

In those areas, all outdoor wood fires on public land, including random camping areas, are prohibited. Fireworks and exploding targets are also banned.

Campfires are still allowed in fire rings at designated campgrounds and in permanent fire receptacles located in day-use areas.

Backyard fire pits on private land, propane fire pits, natural gas-powered appliances, charcoal barbecues, indoor wood-burning appliances and other approved cooking or heating devices remain permitted.

Forestry officials say the combination of hot temperatures and dry conditions has pushed wildfire danger to very high levels across much of the region. While isolated showers are possible in some northern areas, they are not expected to provide meaningful relief from the current wildfire conditions.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to view a map of the advisory boundaries.

Click here for the current Rocky Mountain House forecast.