WATCH ABOVE: The fire danger in Edmonton has been upgraded from high to extreme, which has prompted city officials to issue a fire ban. Shallima Maharaj has the details.
EDMONTON – A fire ban has been put in place for the City of Edmonton.
Due to a stretch of hot, dry and windy conditions in the city, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services put the ban in place Wednesday. Until the ban is lifted, open burning, backyard fire pits, cook stoves in parks and fireworks are restricted in Edmonton. However, propane barbecues are allowed.
A number of factors are considered before a full ban is put in place, including the weather forecast, humidity level and ground composition. The fire danger rating for Edmonton is currently in the extreme category.
“Things are greening up now, which is really nice, but early spring there’s still a lot of dry material just below that thin green surface that we have. The bush is full of really nice dry leaves and grass which is really easy to ignite,” said Deputy Fire Chief Russell Croome with Edmonton Fire Rescue.
“Any of the properties that are bordering wild land interface, and that includes parks, fields – there’s a lot of dry grass.”
Croome says cigarettes are always a concern for firefighters, but they’re a major concern when it’s dry outside.
“It’s that flying ember or that loose flame or hot little ash that can land, it can sit there for a while, and once it gets hot enough—maybe a breeze of wind will come in—and suddenly we have a wild land fire,” said Croome.
“Drivers, unfortunately, still will toss a cigarette out of a window or it’s improperly disposed of in a planter pot, which really is just a little bucket of fuel that’s ready to go.”
READ MORE: Smokers caused 700 Edmonton fires over past decade
The city says it will emphasize compliance over enforcement while the ban is in place. However, anyone caught breaking the ban could face charges.
The fire ban will remain in place until further notice.
This is the first fire ban issued in Edmonton this season.
For the latest updates on fire restrictions and bans across the province, visit the Alberta fire bans website.
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