Mountain View County council has approved changes to the municipality's fire bylaw to bring it in line with recent changes to provincial fire season legislation.
All three readings of the amendments came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
The provincial Forest and Prairie Protection Act was amended on Dec. 9, 2016 to set the provincewide fire season from March 1 to Oct. 31 each year.
Previously the season ran from April 1 to Oct. 31 unless changed by executive order.
Jeff Holmes, director of legislative services, told council that, "We need to amend our fire bylaw to make sure our permit season matches what the provincial requirements are."
Council approved an amending motion making the county's fire permit requirement dates March 1 to Oct. 31. The dates had previously been April 1 to Oct. 31.
Councillors also approved updating the fire bylaw section regarding fire guardians.
The amended section now reads: "Each year in time for the beginning of fire season, council shall appoint a sufficient number of fire guardians, for a term not exceeding one year, with effect from the beginning of fire season, in accordance with the provisions of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act to enforce the provisions of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and this bylaw within the boundaries of the county, except that part of the county that is within a forest protection area."
Regarding fireworks, the following amendment was also approved: "Whereas Mountain View County has the authority to regulate fireworks within its jurisdiction, except that part of the county that is within a forest protection area, under the Municipal Government Act and the Alberta Fire Code."
