The government instated a province-wide fire ban. Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips says that while it’s a rare move, it’s needed to make sure more wildfires aren’t sparked.
“I don’t think any Albertan in this province right now as we confront this crisis wants to be the person that diverted necessary resources from Fort McMurray or elsewhere onto a fire that was entirely preventable.”
No campfires or open fires will be allowed in campgrounds, the backcountry, or random camping areas. Barbecues and fire pits run on gas or propane are still allowed.
Phillips has also asked residents to limit their off-highway vehicle use as much as possible this weekend.
“We are appealing to Albertans’ common sense here, that when it is as dry as it is, when it is as hot as it is, and when we have so many wildfires already burning in Alberta, these are not appropriate activities.”
A full forest closure hasn’t been invoked, as it’s hoped residents won’t want to be the next person to start a wildfire. Shooting at incendiary targets has also been banned on Crown land.
Both the City and County of Grande Prairie already have fire bans in effect, prohibiting all open burning, fireworks, burn barrels and fire pits, unless gas or propane.