The green’ll fool you: Lethbridge County declares fire ban despite recent rain

Lethbridge County has declared a fire ban, as officials say that despite the recent rain, the fire risk remains high.

Lethbridge County has declared a fire ban.

The county says despite recent rain, the fire risk remains high.

The ban includes campfires, burning barrels, charcoal briquette barbeques and any other open burning.

Fire officials are warning residents not to be deceived by how green it is outside.

This most recent hot stretch has dried up any moisture from recent rain.

Windy conditions have also driven up the chance of a grass fire spreading quickly.

“We’ve gone from an advisory to a fire ban. And the reason is, for obvious reasons, the temperatures are rising,” said Heath Wright, Lethbridge County emergency services director.

“We’ve had some windy conditions lately, and overnight, actually, from the province, we’ve just realized that we’ve gone from 20 out of control wildfires to 25, which is quite alarming for fire officials across the province.”

Gas and propane heaters, stoves, barbeques and firepits and still allowed.

Wood pellet grills are also permitted.