A fire ban is now in place in the City of St. Albert, meaning no one with a fire pit is allowed to use it for the foreseeable future.
The city announced early Wednesday it had put a fire ban in place because of “prolonged, dry, warm and windy conditions.” The fire danger rating in St. Albert has been rated as “extreme” under the Fire Weather Index, which takes into account temperature, wind conditions, humidity and ground cover moisture levels.
“Extreme” is the most severe level on the index.
Besides banning solid fire pits, solid fuel cook stoves in city parks are off-limits and no fireworks can be used in the city. Residents are also reminded to dispose of their cigarette butts safely.
A press release from Fire Chief Ray Richards noted anyone caught breaking the fire ban could face a fine of up to $10,000 or be sentenced to a maximum 12 months in jail. Violators could also end up paying the emergency services bill for any fire response as a result of breaking the fire ban.
Sturgeon County has also issued a fire advisory, meaning all burning permits have been revoked and none will be issued until further notice. Fire pits used for recreation, cooking and warmth however are still allowed.
