WATCH ABOVE: More fire restrictions are being put in place across much of northwest Alberta. Kendra Slugoski looks at conditions here in Edmonton.
EDMONTON — Fire restrictions have been put in place across much of northwestern Alberta because of bone-dry conditions.
Since Wednesday, eight new wildfires have started in the province bringing the total number burning to 18.
The Town of Devon has cancelled its big Friday night fireworks show at Devon Days due to the extremely dry conditions.
The restrictions come as a man is facing charges for allegedly sparking a wildfire in the area. RCMP charged a 35-year-old man with arson after discovering he lit his own vehicle on fire in a ditch, which then quickly spread to a nearby forest.
Police were called to Highway 88 south of the hamlet of Red Earth Creek on Tuesday afternoon, to reports of a vehicle fire that was spreading into the brush.
The out-of-control fire eventually grew to 338 hectares in size, but no homes or communities were in danger because of the remote location.
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The accused, Kenneth Joseph Auger of Peace River, was on the scene with four other people when authorities arrived. He was charged with arson and remains in custody because of the extent of the damage.
“After getting statements from the four others on the scene, we determined they weren’t involved,” said Cpl. Greg Stannard with Red Earth Creek RCMP. “If they were laughing and giggling about the severity of the fire, they may have been considered accessories to the crime.”
The Red Earth Creek fire is currently being held.
Most of the province is under either a fire advisory, warning, or an outright ban, after an exceptionally dry spring. The situation is not expected to improve any time soon.
“We have hot, dry, weather coming through next weekend,” said Duncan MacDonnell with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
“It’s like you have a lot of dry fuel around waiting to burn.”
However, he added that the northern Alberta forest is designed to burn, and that process can be good for the forest’s ecosystem.
The province feels it is prepared to battle the onslaught of fires that may spark in the coming days. As of Thursday, there are 869 firefighters on standby, as well as 95 helicopters and 20 air tankers.
Right now, there are no fires threatening any communities.
“Sometimes, particularly in the north, you’ll get a fire started and we might not fight it if there aren’t any people or property threatened,” MacDonnell said.
“We will sometimes let those fires burn.”
Firefighters have been sharing their personal experiences on a Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development wildfire blog.
Check out their incredible stories here.
READ MORE: Hot, dry weather leads to fire ban in Edmonton
On Thursday at noon Environment and Sustainable Resource Development put into effect several restrictions to limit the chance of further fires. They include:
Restricted Fires
No open fires or wood campfires are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas. Restricted activities also include charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
Fire permits
Current fire permits may be suspended or cancelled and new fire permits may not be issued.
Allowed in campgrounds
Safe wood campfires within fire rings, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating.
Allowed in backcountry and random camping areas
Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating, catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
Up-to-date information fire restrictions and fire bans is available online or by calling 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473). To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (310-3473).
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