Fire ban extended into Cypress Hills

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 17, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A ban on open fires across southeast Alberta has now expanded into Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

Wood and charcoal campfires and barbecues are now prohibited on the Alberta side, though contained propane and other gas and liquid stoves are permitted, according to the Alberta Parks website.

That follows orders a few weeks ago by fire officials in Cypress County, the City of Medicine Hat and the Town of Redcliff, which banned solid fuel fires and fireworks in light of extremely dry hot conditions and increased fire risk.

Earlier this month the Province of Saskatchewan issued a blanket fire ban in all provincial parks, and new maps show elevated risk of fire of municipal restriction in every RM in the southwest quadrant, with the exception of Big Stick and Piapot.

City halts mowing

Medicine Hat will halt mowing road shoulders and rough areas until the moisture conditions improve, officials with the parks department and fire service announced this week.

That comes after a haying operation sparked a major blaze on the north side of the city when a blade contacted a rock and ignited tall grass.

Fire chief Brian Stauth called the suspension “the most prudent option” considering ditches can be litters with large rocks and debris that could cause sparks, though residents will notice taller weeds and grass.

Manicured parks, which are typically irrigated, will continue to be mowed.

“If there’s a (roadway) area that requires mowing due to safety concerns, we will work with the fire service to ensure appropriate suppression is available,” said parks director James Will.

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