Extreme fire risk prompts more fire bans for parts of southern Alberta [Video]

Concern over increasing fire dangers in southern Alberta has prompted Lethbridge County and Vulcan County to put fire bans in place, which means all fire permits are cancelled and all burning is now prohibited.

This includes recreational campfires, backyard burning barrels, charcoal barbecues, fireworks or any open flame.

Use of certain items, such as propane stoves and gas firepits, is still allowed. Full details can be found on the websites for Lethbridge County and Vulcan County.

Heath Wright, the director of emergency services for Lethbridge County, said the decision to implement a fire ban was made because of the rising temperatures, windy conditions and the growing number of wildfires in the province, which he described as “quite alarming.”

“A lot of people don’t realize that one of our key seasons for wildfire is spring because of the Chinook winds and the heat fluctuating so much,” said Wright.

“And even though …