Fire ban declared for Chestermere

Chestermere Fire Services (CFS) declared a level 3 fire ban in Chestermere Aug. 30.
“It’s extremely dry, it’s just increased that threat of fire,” said CFS Chief Brian Pomrenke on why the ban was put in place.
Under the ban open flames such as backyard camp fires, chimeneas, incinerators, burning barrels and solid fuel barbecues.
Internal household fire places and liquid fuel barbeques are still allowed under the ban.
“What we’re trying to eliminate are…the embers that can create the fires and come off a natural fire that you have in a fire pit,” he said.
The ban isn’t meant to discourage outdoor recreation in Chestermere.
“You can still have your backyard barbecue and enjoy a hamburger with your family and friends,” he said.
Pomrenke said that all of Southern Alberta, especially in the regions surrounding Chestermere have had really dry conditions this summer.
“I believe it’s one of our driest ones on record,” he said.
CFS utilizes the Canadian Forest Fire weather index when deciding to declare fire bans. The index considers factors such as relative humidity, fire loads and materials, and recent rainfalls.
While residents have been watering their lawns and gardens so it is not as dry in Chestermere as the surrounding areas conditions are still dangerous.
There are also rural properties that are part of the city.
Embers from open flames have a greater chance of sparking a fire at the moment which is why the ban has been enacted.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions change, which means significant rainfall and cooler more humid weather.
For more information on what is allowed under the level 3 fire ban go to http://www.chestermere.ca/331/Fire-Bans-Burning-Regulations