County discusses current fire ban system
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
During the March 28 Committee of the Whole meeting, Wheatland County discussed the maintenance of a tiered fire ban system for issuing advisories, restrictions and bans across the county.
County administration was directed, during the Aug. 13 regular meeting of council, to present a report on fire bans during a committee of the whole meeting.
Currently, the county utilizes a tiered fire ban system to regulate activities which could cause grassland fires or wild fires. Fire advisories, restrictions and bans are temporary measures which are implemented based on changing conditions.
“Fire advisories are issued when fire hazards are moderate, outdoor burning is permitted in approved fire pits, incinerators and burning barrels. Fire restrictions are implemented when fire hazards are severe. Burning is restricted to CSA- or ULC-approved fire pits only,” said Sherry Baers, general manager of community and development services. “Total fire bans are declared under extreme fire conditions. Only gas or propane fire pits, camping stoves and barbeques are allowed. Fire bans are issued under Section 11 of the Fire Service Bylaw 2019-06.”
Baers explained when issuing a fire ban, factors including recent precipitation, future forecasts, water shortages, fire department resource availability, fine fuel moisture content, abundance of combustible materials, and recent wildfire incidents in neighboring municipalities are considered.
When conditions indicate a fire ban to be warranted, the Regional Fire Chief or designate consults all County District Fire Chiefs and Association Fire Chiefs to assess and confirm fire danger levels within their respective districts.
Notifications to the public regarding fire bans and restrictions are distributed via the county’s website, social media channels, and the Alberta Fire Ban website. All active fire permits are also suspended during these times.
Due to the rural nature of the majority of the county, as well as its reliance on volunteer fire services, a county-wide approach to fire restrictions and bans is considered more effective in order to avoid local fire services becoming overwhelmed, and to ensure both clear communication and compliance.
“Feedback from our County District Fire Chiefs and Association Fire Chiefs is that they fully support the current system and do not wish to see a split system,” said Baers. “The benefits include ensuring the fire chiefs are consulted before bans are issued; it reduces the risk of grassland and wildfires, providing clarity for fire crews when responding to incidents and enabling effective enforcement of the bans.”
Coun. Tom Ikert voiced a problem with fire bans being the adverse effects on the livelihoods of residents, saying though he understands the necessity, he disagrees with the notion.
Baers explained fire chiefs within the county voiced disagreement towards the idea of changing county policies and practices regarding fire bans and restrictions.
Ongoing concerns regarding whether to adopt segmented restriction and ban practices within the county are in regards to potential difficulties towards enforcement, clarity of information, and debate regarding which fire association responds to which incidents.
Coun. Donna Biggar motioned that county administration be directed to maintain the tiered fire ban system which is currently in place and is consistent across the county.
The motion was carried in a vote of 6-1 in favour. Ikert was the sole vote in opposition of the motion.