Red Deer Emergency Services is asking residents to exercise extreme caution as dry conditions persist. Red Deer’s current fire danger risk is Very High, as identified by Alberta Climate Information Services.
Due to the wind and rising temperatures forecasted next week, the dry conditions are expected to get worse. Additionally, there is no precipitation forecasted in the short-term weather forecast.
Red Deer Emergency Services, Environmental Initiatives and Parks continue to monitor the conditions and a fire ban will be issued if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or greater, of if the Fine Fuel Moisture Content (FFMC) or Initial Spread Index (ISI) from the Alberta Climate Information Services reaches extreme.
Residents are asked to do their part to reduce the fire risk:
- Do not throw out cigarettes into easily combustible materials, such as vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grass mulch, leaves, or similar items. They can easily catch fire.
- Do not discard smoking materials out vehicle windows.
- Ensure fire pits are properly monitored and fully extinguished.
- Learn more about proper use of fire pits by reviewing the rules and regulations in Bylaw N0. 3387/2007 The Fire Permit Bylaw
Red Deerians are encouraged to monitor the Fire Ban status by visiting www.albertafirebans.ca and the Air Quality Index (AQHI) (www.airquality.alberta.ca/map/) when planning outdoor activities.