Extreme conditions spark fire ban for Calgary
Dave Dormer | CBC News | Posted: August 29, 2017 9:18 PM | Last Updated: August 29, 2017
Continued hot weather has left much of the city tinder dry
Continued hot, dry weather has led to a fire ban for Calgary that prohibits the use of firepits, recreational campfires, outdoor fireplaces and other open flame devices that burn solid fuels, such as wood or briquettes.
"Calgary Fire has been closely monitoring all conditions throughout the summer," Deputy Chief Allan Ball said in a release.
"Today's fire ban reflects significant, increased risk of outdoor fires due to unseasonably dry ground conditions combined with high daytime temperatures."
The ban will remain in effect until "ground and weather conditions are no longer deemed a risk to health and safety."
- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Bowfort Towers controversy on display at mayor's forum on the arts
- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Darshan Kang placed on medical leave; denies allegations of sexual harassment
Fines for violating the ban range from $500 to $5,000.
"We don't normally see outdoor grasses and ground cover this dry until late September or early October, after fall frost has dried and cured these available fuels," said Ball in the release. "These are extreme conditions."
Under the fire ban, the following are prohibited:
- Open fires
- Firepits
- Outdoor chimeneas
- Solid fuel barbecues and stoves (charcoal briquettes or wood)
- Tiki torches
- Fireworks and exploding targets
The following are currently allowed:
- Portable propane firepits that are CSA approved or UL certified
- Gas or propane stoves and barbeques that are CSA approved or UL certified
- Patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant)
- Internal household fireplaces
- Indoor open air fire permits
For more information, visit the city's website or call 311.
Fire bans are currently in place across much of southern Alberta.