If your long weekend plans include camping and sitting around a fire, you’re in luck, but it depends on where you are.
As of May 15, the Town of Cochrane has lifted its fire restrictions. Campfires are allowed again, as long as you follow safe burning practices: keep fires small, never leave them unattended and fully extinguish them before walking away.
But nearby areas have different rules. Here’s what you need to know:
Rocky View County:
Under a fire advisory. Campfires in approved fire pits are allowed, but open burning and fireworks are banned. No new fire permits are being issued.
Banff National Park:
Fires are allowed only in designated Parks Canada fire rings. Fully extinguish them with water, and report any suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch.
Canmore:
Still under a fire advisory. Backyard fire pits and portable propane fire pits are allowed, but fireworks and exploding targets are banned.
City of Calgary:
No fire bans or restrictions.
Foothills County:
Also under a fire advisory. Fires are allowed with a permit. Use caution
Vulcan County:
A fire restriction is in place. No open fires, except in approved campground fire pits or appliances. No new permits are being issued.
Willow Creek:
Under a fire advisory, but campfires, incinerators and burn barrels are allowed if you follow local rules.
Lethbridge (River Valley):
No fire bans or restrictions.
Before lighting a fire, check local restrictions at albertafirebans.ca. Now go pack those marshmallows and keep that bucket of water handy.