WATCH ABOVE: The dry weather isn’t letting up and it’s causing a number of problems in our city and province. Lisa Wolansky reports.
EDMONTON – Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has issued an open burning restriction for Edmonton just days ahead of the May long weekend.
The restriction does not allow any open burning or fireworks. Backyard fire pits are still permitted with caution.
The restriction was put in place Wednesday due to prolonged dry, hot and windy conditions. The City of Edmonton said as of Wednesday, the fire danger rating in the city was in the extreme category.
The city said the open fire restriction in Edmonton will remain in place until further notice.
Similar dry conditions are being felt across the province. A wildfire is burning out of control near Lodgepole, about 160 kilometres southwest of Edmonton.
READ MORE: Out-of-control wildfire burning near Lodgepole, Alberta
According to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta has seen double the number of wildfires this year compared to this time last year. With the May long weekend approaching, wildfire officials are asking people to be extra cautious.
“Right now, of the wildfires we’ve had, almost all of them are human caused,” said Richard Horne, an Alberta wildlife information officer.
“Human-caused wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. We’ve only had two incidents of lightning fire this year, which means that of the 380-odd fires we’ve had this year, almost 378 of them are caused by people’s activities on the land.”
There are currently several fire advisories, restrictions and bans in place across Alberta. For the latest status on Alberta fire bans, visit the government of Alberta’s website.
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