Fire advisory now in place as Alberta lifts fire ban

PHOTO. Supplied: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

The government of Alberta announced it will remove the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area (FPA).

A fire advisory is now in place in the FPA.

Residents living and recreating in the FPA may safely enjoy backyard fire pits, the use of charcoal briquettes on a barbecue or a campfire.

Residents may obtain fire permits, but some may come with restrictions for wildfire prevention purposes.

The province credits Alberta Wildfire and recent precipitation with removing the ban.

The fire advisory will help reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, so firefighting teams may focus on existing wildfires.

As of March 1, Alberta Wildfire successfully extinguished 243 wildfires.

The province encourages Albertans to use designated camp rings or fire pits when having a campfire.

They should attend campfires at all times until extinguished, which is done when they soak the water, stir, and soak again.

A campfire is out only once it is cool to the touch.