Lac Ste. Anne County bans recreational ATV use due to ‘extreme’ wildfire risk

Lac Ste. Anne County, Alta., has issued a complete ban on recreational ATV use due to the “extreme fire risk” in the area.

The county said the ban will remain in effect until further notice.

“Due to low precipitation, high winds, and warm temperatures, the fine fuel load – grass and light leafy
vegetation, in all regions of the County is at an extreme risk for ignition from ATV and UTV exhaust
systems,” county officials said in a news release on Friday.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The county pointed to tall grass and crop residues along the trail systems that can act as fuel when in contact with exhaust and sparks from mufflers this time of year.

The county said required agricultural and industrial operation of ATVs or UTVs is exempt from the ban, but advised extreme caution and continuous monitoring.

1:10 Alberta Wildfires: How to prepare for evacuation