At approximately 4:11 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 21, County Regional Fire Service were dispatched to a reported barn fire located on a property near the Town of Wembley.  

Upon arrival at the scene, the flames had spread to the roof of the barn. Crews from the Clairmont, Beaverlodge, Dunes and La Glace fire stations as well as the Wembley Fire Department quickly contained and extinguished the fire to prevent its spread to nearby structures. No one was harmed by the fire.  

The cause of the fire is from embers of an open fire that spread due to winds of more than 51 km an hour.  

Burning of any kind not permitted at any time when winds exceed 12 km per hour.  

The County would like to remind the public that a fire ban is still in effect for the entire County, the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley and the Village of Hythe.  

Prohibited Burning includes:  

  • Outdoor or open fires (except permitted permanent recreational fire pits)  
  • Burning barrels  
  • Fireworks  
  • Exploding targets  
  • Temporary fire pits  

Burning allowed includes:  

  • Gas barbecues  
  • Propane fire pits 
  • Permitted permanent recreational fire pits 
  • Permit requests to burn crops for agricultural purposes will be accepted  

The County defines permanent recreational fire pits as those that are permanently located, such as fire pits mounted in the ground surrounded by gravel and pavers or other non-combustible materials. New permits for permanent recreation fire pits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Each request will consider the safety of fire personnel and the criteria set out on the website. Automatic renewals will be granted for permanent recreational fire pits permitted within the last two years.  

The Fire Ban is in place as a preventative measure to help keep emergency resources focused where they are most needed during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergency events.  

Failure to comply with the fire ban may result in fines as well as charges for the cost of responses as per Fire Bylaw 2924.  

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions change. Visit www.countygp.ab.ca for updates or call the Regional Fire Service office at 780-532-9727.