Fire restrictions in place in both southeast Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan
By Medicine Hat News on August 20, 2020.
Blazing hot and windy weather is behind expanding fire restrictions in southeast Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan. The County of Newell imposed fire restrictions on Tuesday limiting the use of fireworks, charcoal, burning barrels and other incinerators while campfire pits and approved gas barbecues are still allowed. Cypress county has had similar restrictions in place since early March as a general attempt to avoid emergency situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete fire bans were issued by authorities in Lethbridge County and Vulcan County over the last seven days. A week-long heatwave has settled in across much of Alberta, though heat warnings in east-central Alberta were lifted Wednesday. The temperatures in Medicine Hat have consistently topped 30C, though rain is expected Thursday evening, and lower overnight temperatures are expected through the weekend. Saskatchewan rural municipalities near the Alberta boundary has been on heightened alert this month. Fire bans have been standing in the R.M.’s of Enterprise, Maple Creek, Reno, and Happyland. This week, more eastward R.M.’s of Piapot, Carmichael, and Arlington were joined by areas around Saskatchewan Landing and Stewart Valley. 8-7
