There is a FIRE BAN & OHV RESTRICTION for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta effective April 15, 2020. If you suspect a wildfire, report it to 310-FIRE (3473).
FIRE BAN & OHV RESTRICTION
As part of Alberta Wildfire's Response Plan to COVID-19, a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction have been issued for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta effective April 15th at 2:00 pm.
These measures aim to reduce the number of human caused wildfires, as most if not all wildfires in the early spring are caused by human activity.
Reducing human caused wildfires helps keep our firefighting resources focused where they are most needed, especially when our firefighting resources may be challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cities, towns, villages and summer villages as well as Federal lands (such as National Parks) are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.
To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit the albertafirebans.ca website.
To view the Ministerial Order, click here to visit the website.
FIRE BAN
PROHIBITED
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All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
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Fireworks and exploding targets.
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The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.
ALLOWED
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Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
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Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
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Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
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OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands.
FIRE PERMITS
All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, but will need to be approved by a forest officer.
OHV RESTRICTION
DEFINITION OF AN OHV
- An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:
- Quads;
- Side by sides;
- Dirt bikes;
- 4x4 Jeeps;
- Pick-up trucks;
- Sport utility vehicles;
- Snowmobiles; or
- Any other means of transportation that is propelled by any power other then muscular power or wind
EXCEPTIONS
The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use an OHV for traditional use.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Anyone found to be non-compliant of the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600 and non-compliant with the OHV restriction, a violation ticket of $1,200. Individuals found responsible for starting a wildfire may be charged with the cost of fighting the fire.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | WILDFIRE SEASON 2020
The Edson Forest Area currently has zero active wildfires.
Since January 1, 2020, there has been one wildfire in the Edson Forest Area which burnt approximately 0.01 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE | WILDFIRE SEASON 2020
There are currently six wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Four of these wildfires started during the 2019 wildfire season. All six of these wildfires are under control and continue to be monitored.
To learn more on how you can prevent wildfires, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
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