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Fire restriction announced for Town of Ponoka

A fire restriction has been announced for the Town of Ponoka.
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A fire restriction has been announced for the Town of Ponoka.

A press release from the town was sent out Sept. 6 stating that due to hot, dry, conditions the Ponoka Fire Department announced a fire restriction.

“Ponoka residents are asked to help ensure the safety of the community and minimize any fire risk by observing the following fire restriction requirements,” states the release.

The use of fire pits is still allowed, but all fire pits must meet ‘acceptable’ requirements under the town’s Fire Services Bylaw, which states that fire pits must:

• Have at least three metres of clearance from the edge of the fire pit to the nearest building, property line, or other combustible material.

• Not exceed 0.6 metres (two feet) in height.

• Not exceed one metre (3.3 feet) in width/diameter.

• Be fully enclosed and constructed of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy-gauge metal or other non-combustible materials acceptable to the Fire Chief.

• Have a mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 cm. The screen must cover the fire pit, sufficiently contain airborne sparks, and be constructed of non-combustible material.

No other open air fire pits are allowed, states the release. “The discharging of consumer fireworks is not permitted,” it adds.

Barbecue users will still be able to use their propane and natural gas units.

“All fire permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued.”

For updates on fire bans across Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

• Heyden-Kaye