There is no need to worry about any fire bans in the local area this August long weekend.
There are no active fire bans or advisories for Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding areas. This includes Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Gibbons, Bon Accord, Redwater and Morinville.
While no restrictions prevent you from having a fire, officials from the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department ask that people pay mind to the hot and dry conditions as of late and practice proper safety and precautions when having fires this weekend.
The forecast in the local area calls for a hot and sunny long weekend. Friday’s (July 29) high of 30 C will be the warmest day, with temperatures hovering around the mid to high 20’s all weekend. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected in the forecast.
If you’re heading west for your holiday weekend, there are a few advisories to be aware of -- Jasper and Banff National Parks are currently under a fire advisory. The Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area is also under an advisory, as are Brazeau County, Drayton Valley, and the Edson Forest Area.
For those going north, Westlock County, Thorhild County, and Smoky Lake County are also under fire advisories, while Athabasca County has issued a fire restriction. South of the region, Camrose County has issued a fire advisory.
Safe campfires are permitted under a fire advisory, provided they are within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring and are fully extinguished once finished. Backyard fire pits, portable propane fire pits, barbecues, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters are also allowed.
Under a fire restriction, new fire permits will not be issued, and existing permits, including for burn barrels and fireworks, are suspended. Safe cooking and warming fires are allowed in fire rings at this time.
A list of current fire bans and advisories can be found here.