ADAM JACKSON/Black Press
A fire ban has been imposed for all of the County of Stettler.
Shawna Benson, county communications officer, said Fire Chief Mark Dennis enacted the ban on May 17 and it will stay in effect until further notice.
“This fire ban prohibits the issuance of fir permits, suspends all existing fire permits and requires all outdoor fires that are currently burning to be extinguished immediately,” Benson said.
“This fire ban applies to all open fires.”
Campers in the county on the long weekend were prohibited from having an open fire, cooking on a charcoal barbecue or igniting fireworks.
County residents are also not allowed to use burning barrels, chimeneas or portable fire pits.
Benson said the ban does not apply to propane and natural gas barbecues or internal household fireplaces with approved spark arrester to prevent sparks from leaving the chimney.
In addition, no material will be accepted for burning at county dumps.
“A person who sets a fire not allowed under this ban will be responsible for the costs of extinguishing the fire…and may be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act,” Benson said.
As of May 21, there were 44 wildfires in Alberta, eight of which were out of control, 10 were being held, 22 were under control and four have been turned over. Since the start of April, Alberta has recorded approximately 500 wildfires that which have burned more than 300,000 hectares.