Fire advisory covers all of Rocky View County; Airdrie under heat warning but not advisory

A Fire advisory is now in effect for both the east and west regions of Rocky View County, according to County officials. Airdrie is not under any advisories, although a heat warning remains in effect for the area. 

The County said the advisory reflects a moderate fire risk and will remain in place until conditions improve.

"All burning & fireworks permits are suspended, and burning is banned," the County stated in a May 28 update, "with the following exceptions."

County fire officials said certain activities are still permitted during an advisory, including the use of indoor household fireplaces, incinerators for farm and acreage use, and burning barrels.

Camp stoves and barbecues fueled by charcoal briquettes, propane, or natural gas are also allowed, along with wood pellet grills and propane or natural gas fire pits.

Recreational campfires are permitted only if they are contained within an approved burn pit. Chimeneas are allowed, as are fires contained within approved appliances and facilities at designated camping and recreational sites.

Oil well flaring is permitted but must be registered with the central fire dispatch at 403-264-1022.

Rocky View County uses Highway 2 as the dividing line between its east and west regions. Fire status changes may apply to one or both zones, depending on local weather and moisture conditions.

Although not under fire restriction, Airdrie remains under a heat warning issued by Environment Canada at 4:23 a.m. Wednesday.

"Daytime temperatures in the high 20s today will increase to reach 30 degrees Celsius on Thursday," the agency said. "Overnight lows will be near 14 degrees Celsius."

Environment Canada said temperatures are expected to cool beginning Thursday evening as a cold front moves across Alberta.

Officials advised residents to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day and to take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.

People are encouraged to stay hydrated with water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages and to never leave children or pets inside vehicles.

Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion may include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.

Infants, children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, outdoor workers, and those who are socially isolated may experience more severe effects from extreme heat.

According to Environment Canada’s May 28 forecast, Airdrie is expected to reach a high of 27 degrees today under sunny skies, with southeast winds gusting up to 40 km/h. The overnight low will be 10 degrees.

Thursday’s forecast calls for a high of 30 degrees, with increasing cloudiness, a 60 per cent chance of afternoon showers, and a risk of thunderstorms. West winds are expected to reach 20 km/h with gusts up to 40.

Temperatures will cool slightly on Friday with a high of 24. Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 26 under a mix of sun and cloud. Periods of rain are expected Sunday, with a high of 15.

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