Cypress County moves into fire restriction notice
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on June 22, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com As of 5 p.m. Friday, Cypress County graduated to a fire restriction, in response to current conditions. This is not unusual for the county, which is under at least a fire advisory every year from April 1 to Oct.31. This restriction notice outlines the kinds of fires allowed, including prohibiting fireworks, but allows for burn barrels, recreational campfires and barbecues. The rain seen earlier in the year has resulted in a large buildup of vegetation, which can form a significant fuel load as the weather turns hotter and the grass dries and cures, said Jason Linton, director of emergency services with Cypress County. Dead grass underneath the living plants is also still creating a fire risk. “Over the last couple of weeks, we have responded to some outside fires all human caused,” said Linton. “We also have some fires that are spreading. Obviously, we know with this, we’re being more proactive than reactive. We’re looking forward at the next two weeks, with the weather forecasts. And we’re going to the hotter, drier session, so we’re looking to do some education and keep fire safety at the front of people’s minds.” This decision is based on data from the Alberta government website, said Linton, which he reviews daily before making a decision on the level of caution needed. The county reminds residents that all fire permits are cancelled, and that all fire pits must be less than 36 inches in diameter and 10 feet from anything combustible. Any person who wilfully sets an open fire, or any fire not allowed under this order, may be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and Cypress County Bylaw, said the fire restriction notice, released at noon Friday. Linton does not foresee moving into a fire ban in the near future, but acknowledges that this may change should they see high winds or significantly warm days, and encourages residents to keep an eye on the County website for updates. 10-9
