SUNDRE – The municipality has effective immediately issued a complete fire ban following suit with Mountain View County.
“The county notifies the town when bans or restrictions are put into place and the town then places the same restrictions or bans,” Linda Nelson, Sundre’s chief administrative officer, told the Albertan by email on Wednesday, July 24 in response to follow-up questions.
The municipality had earlier this week issued a fire ban that was subsequently amended to restrictions including the prohibition of uncontained or outdoor fires as well as fireworks.
“When the town was notified yesterday, it was our impression that it was a complete ban,” said Nelson.
“Once we had further information that it was a restriction, we changed our level,” she explained.
But with the extremely dry conditions and enduring heat, the situation has already since changed, and Nelson said the municipality was notified earlier this morning by Mountain View County officials that a complete fire ban is now in place.
“So the town will follow suit,” she said.
The complete fire ban is in effect as of today – Wednesday, July 24 – and remains in effect until further notice.
“All outdoor fires presently burning are to be extinguished immediately and the lighting of any outdoor fire is prohibited,” reads in part the municipality’s official statement, dated July 24.
“Open fires, fireworks, all burnings barrels, all fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are prohibited under this complete fire ban,” it states.
The only listed exceptions are the use of propane fire pits and barbecues, which remain “acceptable for use.”
No new fire or fireworks permits will be issued at this time.
