Extremely dry and windy conditions led to a partial fire ban going into effect in Red Deer on Monday.
The City of Red Deer says the ban includes no fires using charcoal, briquettes or wood in park areas; no open air burning, including those with existing permits, and no fireworks.
Legal backyard fire pits are still allowed, but residents are being asked to be extremely cautious when using fire pits, barbecues and other sources of ignition, including smoking material.
See the Fire Permit Bylaw on www.reddeer.ca for more information about proper fire pit construction and use. Be sure to have a method ready to extinguish the fire, such as a garden hose.
If conditions worsen or incidents of problems with backyard fire pits occur, it may be necessary to extend the ban to include all open fires.
The city reports that people will have to pay for any costs if fire-medics have to go out and fight a fire due to disobeying a ban.
This ban remains in effect until further notice.