Campfire and burning restrictions will take effect at 6 p.m. tonight in various parts of southwestern Alberta.
Several weeks of hot, dry conditions have increased the fire risk so restrictions will apply to an area from the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park to the northern boundary of the Municipal District of Ranchlands, and east from the Alberta-British Columbia border and into the forested area east of Highway 22.
The restrictions were decreed by the provincial environment department.
In that area, campfires will be allowed only in fire rings within campgrounds. No open fires will be allowed in the back country or in random camping areas. Current fire permits may be suspended or cancelled.
Within campgrounds and in the back country, portable propane fire pits, barbecues and gas or propane stoves can be used. However, any units requiring charcoal briquettes are prohibited, as are turkey fryers and tiki torches.
The weekend forecast for the region calls for continued hot, dry conditions.
More information is available at 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
