Alberta now has 4 fire bans as province braces for hot, dry weather

A total of four fire bans are now in effect across Alberta, as the province braces for another wildfire season.

The latest ban was issued Tuesday in Beaver County, southeast of Edmonton.

The first ban of the 2016 season was put in place Feb. 9 for the Municipal District of Foothills, just south of Calgary. Fire bans have also been issued across much of southern Alberta, in the Municipal District of Taber and in Cypress County.

Under the current bans, all fire permits have been cancelled and no new permits will be issued. No open fires (includes burn barrels) are allowed in campgrounds, in the backcountry or in any camping areas.

The province officially started its wildfire season March 1. The early start date was adopted after a devastating wildfire ripped through the town of Slave Lake in May 2011, forcing more than 5,000 people from their homes and causing a record $1 billion in damages.