The hot, dry weather we've been experiencing has led to the issuing of more fire advisories in the Cochrane area.

Late yesterday afternoon, Rocky View County (RVC) issued a fire advisory shortly after one was put in place by the Town of Cochrane. There are also fire advisories for the entire Calgary Forest Area, which includes Kananaskis Country, and the summer villages of Waiparious and Ghost Lake.

In RVC, it means all outstanding burning and fireworks permits are suspended until further notice.

There are exceptions, though. Permitted are household fireplaces/incinerators, burning barrels, camp stoves, solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes), propane/natural gas barbecues, propane/natural gas fire pit, recreational campfires (approved burn pit 24” in diameter or less), chimeneas,  and fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas.

Oil well flaring must register with central fire dispatch at 403-264-1022.

In the Calgary Forest Area, existing fire permits will remain valid but no new permits will be issued. Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas. Charcoal briquettes, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues and catalytic or infrared-style heaters remain permitted uses.

Wildfire officials remind people campfire should never be left unattended and the standing practice of soak, stir and soak it again until its cool to the touch should always be applied when extinguishing.

Off-Highway vehicles can potentially start wildfires and their operators are asked to check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris and to make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

Here in Cochrane, Environment Canada forecasts a 60 per cent chance of showers on Thursday afternoon, rain on Friday and a chance of showers on Saturday.