Editor's note: This article has been updated with the latest information from Red Deer County Fire Services.
RED DEER COUNTY - As of 2 p.m. today (May 19) Red Deer County Fire Services has lifted a restricted fire order for all of the rural municipality enacted on May 15.
Fire permits are required for all open fires within the county. Permits are now available online at rdcounty.ca/fire.
Residents are asked to set up an account to obtain a burn permit and to call 587-802-9978 to activate the permit.
"Fire Services will continue to monitor wind and weather conditions throughout the county. Should the hot and windy conditions return another ban/restriction may be put in place," states a release issued by the county today.
County officials said windy conditions and a lack of rain have created dry conditions, which can lead to a fire growing out of control.
The county issued several requirements under the fire restriction.
All outdoor fires that were currently burning within Red Deer County on May 15, whether set with permission or under permit of the county, were to be extinguished immediately. This included all residential burn barrels.
The ignition of any outdoor fires within the boundaries of Red Deer County was prohibited.
This ban dis not apply to:
• fires, which are contained within cooking and heating appliances and which are fueled by fluids, gases, or wood pellets
• fires contained within industrial facilities for operational purposes
• safe acceptable residential fire pits
• gas/propane fueled fire pits/stoves/barbecues
Any person violating conditions of this ban may be held liable for any damages and/or costs associated with extinguishing the fire and full prosecution with penalties, in accordance with Red Deer County Fire Services Bylaw 2012/14 and/or the Forest Prairie Protection Act RSA.
