Due to forecasted warm and windy weather, Ponoka County Regional Fire Services issued a fire restriction for its response area, effective April 23.
The county’s fire services covers Ponoka County, the Town of Ponoka, Town of Rimbey and Summer Village of Parkland Beach.
The Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area, which affects the area of Ponoka County west of Range Road 44, has also implemented a fire restriction.
Under the restriction for Ponoka County, all active fire permits are suspended and new permits will not be issued until conditions improve.
The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.
At this time the use of backyard fire pits with a mesh screen are permitted as long as they are attended at all times. Fire pits can heat the ground around them resulting in a fire.
The use of barbecues, smokers, gas and liquid-powered appliances (such as lanterns and stoves), are also allowed.
For updates on fire restrictions and fire bans across Alberta, including the Town of Ponoka, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.