For The Record: Fire bans now stretch to Special Areas and the County of Newell

By Medicine Hat News on May 6, 2021.

Fire bans in southeast Alberta have been expanded to include stricter measures in Special Areas and the County of Newell.

Cypress County cancelled fire permits and banned open fires in mid-March, at which point the County of Forty Mile issued a fire advisory due to dry conditions coming out of the winter months.

On Wednesday, officials in neighbouring municipalities stated due to dry grass and potential for high winds, fires would be prohibited aside from gas barbecues, approved fire pits and campsites.

In southwest Saskatchewan, bans are in place in the RMs of Maple Creek, Happyland, Gull Lake and Carmichael.

Rail work in region

The Great Sandhills short rail line has begun its largest ever rail crossing improvement program, the business based in Leader, Sask., has announced.

The shortline that hauls between Burstall and the CP mainline near Swift Current will replace or upgrade 74 level crossings this spring, beginning in eastern districts in late April.

Work done in conjunction with rural municipalities will proceed through to the RM of Deer Forks, on the Alberta boundary.