With the recent heat waves this summer, comes the risk of wildfires.
Different measures can be taken to enjoy summer without adding to the fire problem.
"With a heave wave, of course, the biggest thing is open flames. Be very cautious on that," said Donna Noble, protective services coordinator and director of emergency management for Ponoka County.
At the time of the interview on July 22, there was an imposed ban falling under the Forest Protection Area.
"West of Range Road 44 actually falls under the Rocky Forest Protection Area, and they're under a full ban right now.
"We're allowing people to have their backyard fire pits because in some cases that's all they've got to cook with," said Noble, adding that she's had a few calls and inquiries about having these backyard fires as that's all some people can do in the heat to avoid cooking inside.
Noble said to remember to have a water source nearby, make sure it gets put out right when you are done and make it quick.
"Make sure that when you're done, it's out, because our biggest problem is the wind. The wind is drying us out.
"If we don't have some moisture here soon, we may have to impose a full ban as well," said Noble.
She said they are not allowing anybody to burn brush piles or piles of branches in the fire pit. They are also not allowing any fireworks.
Keeping your grass short is also a good idea. Even a rock under the lawnmower blade can trigger a spark.
"We're dry enough that if it's short it doesn't have that potential to become not as great a risk or not travelling quite as quick. It doesn't have that fuel load to deal with now."
Noble said if you can avoid it, it's best to wait to cut the lawn altogether. Besides the risk of a blade hitting a rock, the lawns don't need the added stress.
"The first rain we get it will perk up," she said.
It's also a good idea to keep the gutters on the house clean.
Noble said before heading out camping to check www.albertafirebans.ca, which is an updated province-wide site. Another good place to check out is firesmartcanada.ca for ways to protect your home from wildfires.
