'Very rare' provincewide fire ban issued for Alberta

The Alberta government took the rare step Thursday of issuing a provincewide fire ban, and held a news conference to beg people to stay off their ATVs and off-road vehicles this weekend.

Placing a fire ban on the entire province is "a very rare step" that has economic consequences for campgrounds and recreation facilities, said Environment Minister Shannon Phillips.

But the government decided the fire situation is so dire, and the risk so high, that such a ban was necessary.

All open fires, including campfires and charcoal briquettes, are prohibited. However, portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbecues designed for cooking or heating are allowed.

Phillips and Oneil Carlier, the minister of agriculture and forestry, told a news conference that off-road vehicles can easily spark fires in dry conditions.

"We're imploring all recreational groups to limit their off-road use this weekend," Phillips said. "No one wants to be the person who causes another fire in this province."

The government stopped short of closing down all access to provincial forests. But the ministers say that remains an option for the future, if necessary.

"Many Albertans have asked, 'What can I do to help?' " Phillips said. "This is something they can do to help."

The fire ban applies to Alberta's Forest Protection Area and all counties, municipal districts and special areas such as provincial parks and recreation areas.

The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages or summer villages or federal lands such as national parks.

The fire ban will remain in place until further notice.