Note: This story has been updated since it was first posted online to include further information from Protective Services Coordinator Donna Noble.
As of April 25, Ponoka County Regional Fire Services implemented a fire advisory due to forecasted warm, windy weather.
Their response area includes Ponoka County, the Town of Ponoka, the Town of Rimbey and the Summer Village of Parkland Beach.
Ponoka County Protective Services Coordinator Donna Noble gave an update on April 28, advising that the fire advisory is still in place after the snow over the weekend, as not all areas received the moisture and temperatures are expected to hit 27 degrees Celsius by Friday, May 2.
Ponoka County Regional Fire Services gave mutual aid for a large wildfire in Maskwacis on Friday, Jan. 25, and while some of their personnel was responding to that, another crew was responding to a brush pile within the county from a farmer's winter burn pile that had rekindled.
"We are encouraging everybody: no burning," said Noble, adding that some burn permits are being allowed on a case-by-case basis.
A fire advisory means the fire hazard rating has increased and there may be restrictions on burning. It is also a warning that more restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions don't improve.
At this time the following is allowed:
- backyard fire pit (with a mesh screen and attended at all times).
- barbecues (propane/charcoal briquette) and smokers.
- Incinerators (for farm and acreage use).
- gas and liquid powered appliances (such as stoves, lanterns and propane fire rings).
"Always remember to use extreme caution while using your fire pits and conducting any open burning," the advisory noted.
"An 'under control' fire can change in a matter of seconds or minutes."
Ponoka County Regional Fire Services recommends landowners who have done any burning over the winter months to revisit their burn locations to ensure the fires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
Smoke is not always present from the burn piles but they may still be smouldering underground and could reignite and cause a wildfire.
For more information, visit albertafirebans.ca or ponokacounty.com.
