From the City of Red Deer:

Effective immediately, The City of Red Deer has issued a full city-wide fire ban, due to dry conditions and high temperatures. A fire ban is initiated when conditions as per the Alberta Climate Information Services become extreme.

The following fires are not allowed within city limits:

  • Open fires using charcoal, briquettes or wood
  • Any source of open flame (i.e. tiki torches)

All existing fire permits are suspended.

The following fires are allowed:

  • Certified portable gas fire pits
  • Certified gas stoves or barbeques designed for cooking
  • Certified cooking appliances utilizing charcoal, briquettes or wood pellets on residential property

Red Deer Emergency Services encourages residents to take extra caution to prevent fires. Proper disposal of smoking materials is very important as many fires are started by individuals throwing them out a window or discarding them in plants.

Residents who notice someone having a fire during this fire ban are advised to call 9-1-1. Any person contravening the fire ban will be subject to a $210 fine and applicable response fees.

This ban will remain in effect until conditions change and further notice is given. Updates are available here.

 

From the Red Deer County: 

As of May 1, 2023 at 10 AM today a fire ban is in effect for Red Deer County.

RED DEER COUNTY FIRE BAN ORDER

Pursuant to section 4.0 d) of the Red Deer County FIRE SERVICES BYLAW 2012/14, | David Laurin Fire Chief, for Red Deer County do hereby direct that, until further notice:

a. All outdoor fires presently burning within Red Deer County whether set with permission or under permit of the County, be extinguished immediately, and

b. The ignition of all new outdoor fires within the boundaries of Red Deer County are hereby prohibited, and

c. No new fire permits will be issued.

This ban DOES NOT apply to:

a. Fires, which are contained within cooking and heating appliances and which are fueled by propane or natural gas

b. Fires contained within industrial facilities for operational purposes

c. Approved Gas/Propane fueled fire pits/stoves/barbecues

d. Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

This order comes into effect at 10:00 M.S.T. on the 1st day of May 2023 at Red Deer County, in the Province of Alberta. For greater clarity this FIRE BAN includes, but is not limited to:

- Recreational fires

- Burn Barrels

- Discharge of fireworks

- Use of exploding targets

- Charcoal Barbeques

- Any other form of outside burning unless exempted above Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires — check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

Red Deer Emergency Services urges caution due to dry conditions

Red Deer Emergency Services is asking residents to exercise extreme caution as dry conditions persist. Red Deer’s current fire danger risk is Very High, as identified by Alberta Climate Information Services.

Due to the wind and rising temperatures forecasted next week, the dry conditions are expected to get worse. Additionally, there is no precipitation forecasted in the short-term weather forecast.

Red Deer Emergency Services, Environmental Initiatives and Parks continue to monitor the conditions and a fire ban will be issued if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or greater, of if the Fine Fuel Moisture Content (FFMC) or Initial Spread Index (ISI) from the Alberta Climate Information Services reaches extreme.

Residents are asked to do their part to reduce the fire risk:

  • Do not throw out cigarettes into easily combustible materials, such as vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grass mulch, leaves, or similar items. They can easily catch fire.
  • Do not discard smoking materials out vehicle windows.
  • Ensure fire pits are properly monitored and fully extinguished.
  • Learn more about proper use of fire pits by reviewing the rules and regulations in Bylaw N0. 3387/2007 The Fire Permit Bylaw
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