It's getting to be that time of the year again.

Due to warm windy conditions and a lack of moisture, Ponoka County Regional Fire Services has issued a Fire Advisory for the Town of Ponoka effective today April 21.

While the use of fire pits that comply with Town of Ponoka bylaw requirements is still permitted, citizens are encouraged to be fire smart and use extreme caution when using fire pits, outdoor fireplaces or barbeques on their property.

Fire Pit Safety

Never leave a fire pit unattended while in use. An ‘under control’ fire can change in a matter of seconds. Be aware of the weather conditions at all times and be sure to completely extinguish the flames and hot embers after you are done with using your fire pit.

All fire pits within the Town of Ponoka are required to:

• Be at least three metres from buildings, property lines, or anything else that could catch fire;

• Be equal to or less than 0.6 metres (two feet) high;

• Be equal to or less than one metre (three feet) wide;

• Have fully enclosed sides made of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy-gauge metal or other non-combustible materials;

• Have a non-combustible mesh screen that covers the top of the fire pit with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (.5 inches) to stop sparks from flying out; and

• Have a water hose, fire extinguisher or some other acceptable means of controlling or extinguishing the fire nearby.