Red Deer County issued a restricted fire order on Friday morning and will issue no new fire permits.
Approved fires can continue burning for the duration of the permit but no new fires can be lit, the county says.
The ban does not apply fires contained within cooking and heating appliances, used in industry, within an acceptable fire pit or enclosed incinerators. Approved propane- or gas-fuelled fire pits, barbecues or stoves and catalytic or infrared heaters are also exempt.
Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires and owners are reminded to check frequently to ensure hot spots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
Information on what is considered an acceptable fire pit can be found on the county website at rdcounty.ca
Any person violating conditions of the ban may be held liable for any damages and/or costs associated with extinguishing the fire and full prosecution with penalties, in accordance with Red Deer County Fire Services Bylaw or the Forest Prairie Protection Act.
In central Alberta, fire restrictions have also been issued by Lacombe County, Stettler County and the Town of Innisfail and fire advisories are in effect in a number of other municipalities.
For fire ban updates go to www.albertafirebans.ca.
For updates on current conditions, please visit: https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ - 30 -