Due to the ongoing dry conditions and extreme fire hazard, the County-wide fire ban has been amended to include recreational usage of off-highway vehicles and fire pits.

The fire ban includes the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley and the Village of Hythe.

Under the fire ban order, all existing burning permits are revoked, and no new permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. Recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is restricted on public lands. No outdoor fires are permitted until further notice, including the use of burning barrels, fireworks, pellet barbeque smokers, turkey fryers, Tiki torches and gas, propane and recreational fire pits, including those in County parks and campgrounds.

The use of gas barbecues is still permitted.

Failure to comply with the fire ban may result in a $5,000 fine as well as charges for the cost of responses.

The fire ban will remain in effect until weather conditions change and the area receives a significant amount of precipitation. Visit www.countygp.ab.ca for updates or call the Regional Fire Service office at 780-532-9727.