Fire ban re-issued for Strathcona County

A fire ban has been declared for all of Strathcona County, effective at 12 noon on June 8. The ban applies to all rural areas, hamlets and Sherwood Park. 

The County has re-issued the ban in response to several conditions including:

• the hot, dry weather creating cross over conditions, which means the relative humidity is lower than the temperature creating conditions for extreme wildfire behaviour
• protecting our firefighting resources as they have been responding to multiple fires occurring at the same time
• accumulation of poplar pollen creating an increased risk for fire spread

No outdoor fires are permitted until further notice, including burning barrels and fireworks, nor are recreational fire pits and charcoal barbecues allowed. The use of propane appliances, such as barbecues, is permitted. Fire and fireworks permits are suspended until the ban is lifted. 

“Please phone 911 to report a fire,” says Fire Chief Martin Paulson of Strathcona County Emergency Services. “We understand residents want to enjoy an outdoor fire, however this weekend is not the time for outdoor fire activities.” 

Residents and businesses are expected to comply with fire bans, burn permit conditions and fire bylaw. Failure may result in fines up to $2,000 as well as significant charges for the cost of response.  

Any change in the fire ban situation will be announced on the County’s website at strathcona.ca, on social media, by a Strathcona County Alert and on Strathcona County’s Burning Status Line at 780-464-8464 or by texting BURN to 587-340-3696. If a wildfire does occur and there is the need to evacuate, you will receive an alert from Alberta Emergency Alerts (AEA). You do not need to sign up to receive these alerts by cell phone. Residents are encouraged to download the AEA app. Residents are reminded to have an emergency preparedness plan in place.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595
Media inquiries: emergencyinfo@strathcona.ca