Cypress County now under fire restriction to highlight risk

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 29, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

As of 4p.m.Wednesday, Cypress County has entered a fire restriction.

There is no functional difference between a fire advisory and a fire restriction, says Jason Linton, emergency services co-ordinator and fire chief for the county, but the latter is used to call attention to the increased risk of fire.

“Our fire conditions are changing rapidly, and things are drying out, and things could ignite much more easily,” said Linton.

The decision was made based on data the county receives each day from Alberta Wildfire; with high temperatures and no major precipitation anticipated within the next three weeks, the presence of dry weather and vegetation means a growing risk of fire that requires more caution.

Burn barrels and recreational fires are still permitted, as they were within the fire advisory. The parameters for what fires are permitted are available on the county website. In the meantime, Linton urges residents to be mindful of the potential risk.

“If you’re having recreational fires, it doesn’t matter where, make sure you have adequate water around and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area,” said Linton. “If you’re out on the highway, make sure your vehicle is in good repair and any trailer chains aren’t dragging on the pavement. If you do smoke, make sure you’re discarding them properly.”

Linton says that should conditions continue as they are, the county could be looking at a fire ban earlier this year, and urged residents to stay tuned for updates.

9
-8