Cypress County issues fire ban including no fireworks

Posted on 29 June 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

Contributed

Cypress County is instituting a fire ban as of 9 a.m. June 29. There are new regulations surrounding fire pits with the Cypress County bylaw was updated earlier this year to allow for them during a fire ban.

An advisory is put on when fire conditions warrant public notification of an impending Fire Restriction or Ban. The advisory may identify specific areas or the entire County. Details such as weather conditions that could extend or remove the Advisory and the date/time for any proposed Fire Restriction or Ban will be included. Active fire permits may be cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.

FIRE RESTRICTION

Permitted burning in Cypress County is restricted. All outstanding fire permits are suspended until further notice and no new permits will be issued unless inspected and approved by the Cypress County Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief. Fireworks are NOT permitted.

The following fires are still ALLOWED:

• Internal household fireplaces

• Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)

• Burning barrel (steel/metal drum no larger than 45 gallons with a heavy gauge metal screen having mesh size no larger than 6 millimetres.)

• Solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes)

• Liquid fuel barbecues (propane and natural gas)

• Recreational campfires (non-combustible unit 36 inches in diameter or less)

• Chimeneas

• Wood pellet smokers

• Fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas

FIRE BAN

Permitted burning in Cypress County is banned due to dry/windy conditions. All outstanding fire permits are suspended until further notice.

The following fires are NOT allowed:

• Incinerators

• Burning barrels

• Solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes)

• Recreational campfires (Recreational Fire Pits are exempt during fire bans when the bylaw conditions are met within the defined hamlets of Cypress County – see attachment)

• Chimeneas

• Fires in designated camping and recreational areas

The following fires are ALLOWED:

• Internal household fireplaces

• Propane or natural gas fuelled appliances

• Wood pellet smokers

RECREATIONAL FIRE PIT REQUIREMENTS

Recreational Fire Pits are exempt during fire bans when the following conditions are met within the defined hamlets of Cypress County:

• Recreational Fire means a fire confined to a non-combustible container, which is set for the purpose of cooking, obtaining warmth, or viewing for pleasure.

• Fire pits

– shall be no larger than 36”

– the base of any in-ground fire pit must consist of sand, gravel, or concrete

– must be positioned at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any property line, house, garage, fence, deck, shed or any other permanently installed or hard-to-move structures (i.e. benches, play structure etc.)

– must be positioned at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any trees, branches, shrubs, plants, or other materials that may catch fire

• Sufficient water and fire suppression equipment must be on hand.

• Fire must be supervised at all times by a responsible individual.

• Only burn clean and dry firewood, wood pellets, propane or natural gas approved fire pits designed and sold for attended recreational use.

• Do not burn garbage, yard waste, furniture, construction materials, rubber, plastic, tar, or wood that is painted/treated.

• The Recreational Fire Pit exemption during a fire ban can be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Emergency Services Coordinator, Deputy Fire Chief, or CAO

Recreational Fire Pit/landowner user is solely responsible for any and all damages and holds Cypress County harmless against any and all losses or damages which may arise as a result of incorrect use causing a fire to become out of control.