Whitecourt, Lac Ste. Anne County move to full fire ban

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Both the Town of Whitecourt and neighbouring Lac Ste. Anne County (LSAC) are now under fire bans. 

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The bans replace fire restrictions that were in effect as of the beginning of May, with Whitecourt’s fire ban effective as of May 8. 

The town cited an “extreme fire hazard” as a reason for the ban, under which no new fire permits will be approved. 

Fire permits that have already been approved are suspended “until conditions improve within Whitecourt,” the town stated. 

The fire ban covers backyard and campground firepits, any open burning, fireworks, flame-propelled floating lanterns, charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers, tiki torches and more.

However, use of gas or propane barbecues or wood pellet smokers are permitted if they are approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or certified by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).

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Propane and natural gas firepits, electric or propane meat smokers and catalytic or infrared-style heaters are also permitted.

The town noted use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) within town limits is also banned under the Traffic Bylaw, which forbids such usage between April 1 and Nov. 30 every year.

The Town of Whitecourt stated violating the bylaw can result in a fine or the OHV being confiscated. 

Meanwhile, LSAC went under a fire ban on May 5, describing the fire hazard as “extreme.” 

The county stated it would not approve new fire permits and cancelled ones that had already been given out. 

LSAC’s fire ban impacts “all burning,” applying to backyard and campground fire pits, brush pile fires and burn barrels, according to the county.

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The LSAC fire ban also covers charcoal briquettes, deep fryers including turkey fryers, tiki torches and fireworks. 

ATV users are asked to “please exercise extreme caution.”

The Town of Edson also announced a fire ban on May 8. 

“This ban is based on the current and predicted weather conditions, and to align with the current bans in the forest area surrounding the community,” Edson Fire Chief Brad Milton said in a statement. 

Edson’s current firepit permits and open-air burn permits have been suspended and no new permits will be approved. 

Whitecourt initially went under a fire advisory on April 15, due to dry conditions.

A wildfire then started within town on April 17 east of Hilltop East Industrial Park, and it grew to be approximately three hectares. It was brought under control in the evening.

Whitecourt RCMP stated in early May they are investigating that fire and another on April 25 as possible arson.

Later, a wildfire alert in LSAC went out on April 26, with residents asked to avoid the area near Range Road 20 and Township Road 565A, which is near Nakamun Lake, north of Onoway.

The fire was contained and the alert was lifted later that day.

bquarin@postmedia.com

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