A fire ban is now in effect for all of Mountain View County as of Monday, June 9.
"This requires that all outdoor fires presently burning be extinguished and the lighting of any outdoor fires is banned," the county stated in its advisory. "The only exceptions currently are internal household fireplaces; barbeques; and AER flaring."
The advisory clarified that propane appliances are "deemed as acceptable for use," but cautioned users to exercise "extreme caution for any type of ignition source during a fire ban."
All existing fire and fireworks permits have been cancelled. "No new fire or fireworks permits will be issued until the fire ban has been lifted," the county stated.
The Carstairs Fire Department confirmed the ban does not apply within the Town of Carstairs.
"This does not apply to properties inside of Carstairs town limits," the department stated.
Rocky View County issued its own fire ban late last week.
"Due to dry conditions and the potential for extreme fire behaviour, a fire ban is now in effect for Rocky View County," the municipality stated. "All existing fire permits are suspended, and no new fire permits will be issued."
Under RVC’s ban, all outdoor fires are prohibited — including campfires, fire pits, and burning barrels. Allowed exceptions include gas or propane-fuelled cooking appliances, BBQs, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
The City of Airdrie remains under a fire advisory as of Monday.
"Provincial fire bans and advisories apply to all Crown Land in Alberta. The City of Airdrie’s bans and advisories apply to all lands within the Airdrie city limits," the city stated. "This is because individual municipalities regulate their own fire status."
Separately, Alberta Wildfire confirmed on Friday that a fire ban had been enacted across the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
"This means that campfires are not allowed on public or private land, including campgrounds and backyards," the agency stated. "Propane fire pits are still allowed."
As of Friday, the Calgary Forest Area’s wildfire danger rating was listed as high.
Environment Canada’s forecast for Airdrie, issued at 11 a.m. Monday, calls for mainly sunny skies and a high of 26 with northwest winds gusting to 40 km/h. Overnight, conditions are expected to clear with a low of 3.
Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high of 23 and easterly wind gusts near 40 km/h by midday. Wednesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 22, followed by increasing cloud and a 70 per cent chance of showers that night.
Rain is expected to continue Thursday through Saturday, with daily highs ranging from 16 to 18 and overnight lows around 9. Sunday’s forecast remains cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 18.
Some lingering smoke was still visible over Airdrie at midday on Monday.
At 12 p.m., the Air Quality Health Index for Airdrie was listed at 5 — a moderate risk level. No air quality advisory is in effect for the region.
According to Environment Canada, most people can continue outdoor activities unless symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation occur. At-risk individuals are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous activity if symptoms are present.
Forecast AQHI values are expected to remain in the moderate range through Monday night, dip to 3 on Tuesday, and rise again to 4 by Tuesday night.
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