Editor's note: This article has updated from the original with the latest information from the Olds Fire Department.
OLDS — The fire ban in Olds will remain in place at least for now, despite the rain that has fallen, the Olds Fire Department says.
The Town of Olds implemented the fire ban on Monday, Aug. 16. It was scheduled to remain in effect within town limits until further notice.
Under the ban, as per a town bylaw, outdoor fire pits, campfires, and or any open flames/fireworks must be immediately extinguished, and no one is allowed to start a fire.
However, that ban does not include gas or propane appliances like barbecues that are designed for cooking or heating of food, portable propane fire pits, pellet burning devices, and patio heaters (propane or infrared/radiant).
“The fire ban will remain in place at this time, as the purpose of a fire ban is to protect human life and property by reducing the risk of fire during a prolonged period of unusually high fire danger,” a statement by the fire department says.
“We understand that the weather conditions have temporarily changed but there is still an increased fire risk,” it adds.
“We are hoping that if the rain continues through the week we will be able to adjust the restrictions."
A Town of Olds news release, issued Monday, said the fire ban was implemented due to dry weather and extreme fire conditions.
Like much of western Canada, Olds has suffered under very hot weather and very little rain for most of the summer.
For further information, check out the town's website at www.olds.ca, or contact the Olds Fire Department at 403-507-4850. For additional information on current fire bans across the province, visit https://albertafirebans.ca
