Citing cooler, damp weather and fires that are now largely under control, the provincial government ended its fire ban in forested areas Friday, but Sturgeon County’s ban remains in place.
Beginning last weekend several large fires broke out across the province, prompting the ban as provincial firefighters battled blazes that came precariously close to several communities. But with changes in weather and work by provincial firefighters those fires are now being held.
“There were wildfires that were threatening several communities and those have since been contained,” said wildfire information officer Whitney Exton.
Exton said along with containing those fires, most of the province has received rain this week and temperatures have been cooler, allowing for the ban to be lifted.
“It has also allowed the grass and the trees to green up and that has all helped to lower the wildfire hazard.”
Several municipalities, including Sturgeon County, have kept their bans in place. Any open burning, including burn barrels and campfires, has been restricted with only gas-powered barbecues permitted until the ban is lifted.
Exton said despite the province’s move the danger is still present and people should follow local bans.
“Wildfires can start any time of the year and wildfires can actually smoulder underground for months.”
She said any campfires should be doused with water, stirred and then doused again and the ashes should be cool to the touch before campers leave.
The conditions in Sturgeon County are still problematic and the county is keeping its fire ban in place.
While the area did see rain this week, fields and forested areas are still dry and at risk of fires.
“I was hoping for some precipitation, but we didn’t get enough,” said Sturgeon fire Chief Pat Mahoney. “It didn’t help us enough.”
Mahoney said local crews have been very busy over the last week and with the long weekend approaching, the ban was necessary.
“We have been running pretty steady from Saturday evening.”
Mahoney also wants ATV users to make sure they clean their exhaust of any debris that might ignite.
“If you are operating ATVs and stuff like that, be careful and clean the ATV.”
