Because of recent cooler temperatures and precipitation in the region, fire bans which have been in effect for several weeks in Cochrane and Rocky View County either have been replaced with fire advisories or will be soon.  

In Cochrane, Fire Chief David Humphrey says the fire advisory will go into effect as of 4:00 pm this afternoon.  In Rocky View County the advisory went into effect, at 4:30 pm yesterday.

In the Town of Cochrane, the following exemptions are allowed in an advisory:

  • Town fire pits 
  • Backyard fire pits
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques 
  • Propane/natural gas barbeques and fire pits 
  • Outdoor fireplaces 
  • Chimeneas 
  • Fournos ovens
  • Indoor fireplaces 

Town residents are still asked to remain extra vigilant.  Soaking the area adjacent to the fire pits with water is recommended.  Open air permit burning (burning without being in a container) is still prohibited.

For Rocky View County, permit burning is also still banned because of dry, windy conditions,  The following exemptions to the fire advisory apply in the county:

  • Internal household fireplaces 
  • Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)
  • Regulated burning barrels 
  • Camp stoves 
  • Solid fuel barbeques (charcoal briquettes) 
  • Liquid fuel barbeques (propane and natural gas) 
  • Recreational camp fires (approved burn pit 24" in diameter or less)
  • Chimeneas 

Fires that are contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas are also permitted.  Oil Well flaring must register with central fire dispatch at 403 264-1022,

The fire advisories will remain in effect in both the town and the county until the Fire Chief offices decide that it's appropriate to change for purposes of the Forest and Prairie Protection act and the fire bylaws in the respective places.

The fire ban in the city of Calgary was lifted yesterday and earlier today the fire ban for Airdrie was also lifted.