Fire ban comes into effect at 12 noon

A fire ban comes into effect for the Town of Cochrane at 12 noon today, Friday, August 19.

The decision to implement a fire ban has been made based on the current and anticipated weather conditions.

"It's just getting hotter and hotter, and we're just not getting the moisture that's in the forecast," says Fire Inspector Jeff Avery. "When it does rain, it's just quick and it's not really making any difference, so we had no choice but to put a fire ban in place right now."

During a fire ban, no campfires, burning of wood, or charcoal briquettes are allowed. Residents can continue to use gas or propane stoves/BBQs and portable propane fire pits.

A fire ban represents extreme fire danger. Hot and dry conditions continue in the Cochrane area with no recent precipitation recorded at the local weather stations. If a wildfire ignites in these conditions, it has the potential to spread very quickly and exhibit extreme fire behaviour. 

The fire ban will be in effect until further notice and follows one issued by Rocky View County last Friday.

A heat warning continues to be in effect for the region and temperatures are expected to continue to climb to a daily high near 30 degrees.

Environment Canada says a cooling trend will occur for some areas over the weekend, with temperatures returning to the mid-to-high 20s next week.

Here's what is and isn't allowed during a fire ban in Cochrane. (Chart/Town of Cochrane)