There have been five human caused fires in the Urban Service Area of the region since the fire ban was brought into effect.
When asked if there was an obvious cause when responding to the fires, Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz said yes.
“Carelessness, wrecklessness. I wouldn’t say intentional, but the point of the matter is there was a fire ban on for the reason of extreme dry conditions that the boreal forest is in right now. We need to be vigilant in the fire ban and not give a source of ignition while we’re out in the forest enjoying mother nature.”
Butz notes that while off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is restricted under the ban, OHVs aren’t allowed to be used within the city.
If you are found to have caused a fire because of OHV use in the city you could face additional consequences or fines.
Other possible causes for the fires could be illegal campfires and irresponsible disposal of lit cigarettes.
“There’s a reason that the fire ban and OHV restrictions are in place. Those decisions aren’t taken lightly. I want everyone to understand and realize that in comparison, we all have the memories of 2016, we are actually in drier conditions now than we were in 2016.”
Any person who is found to have ignited, fueled, maintained, allowed or even supervised an outdoor fire could be fined at the discretion of the Emergency Services Bylaw.
If emergency response is needed, you could be charged full firefighting costs.
Since wildfire season started, there have been 18 fires in the Fort McMurray forested area.
