With little to no moisture and windy conditions, Cochrane Fire Services is calling for a town-wide fire ban beginning at 4:30 pm today (January 4).

Inspector Jeff Avery says although they have been keeping a close eye on conditions for some time, Cochrane Fire Services felt it was pertinent to instigate the ban now. "We were trying to hold off as long as we could but with such dry conditions and extreme winds, we feel the time is now. If there was even a small grass fire, in these winds, it could take completely off."

While residents are still able to use their propane/natural gas barbeques, indoor fireplaces, and propane/natural gas fire pits all other fires and outstanding permits are prohibited.

Avery shares throughout his history serving as a firefighter for the Town of Cochrane, this is one of the very few times a fire ban has been put in place for residents in January.

The fire ban will remain in effect until the Fire Chief's office deems it appropriate to lift and the dry, windy conditions are longer a concern. 

For further information regarding the fire ban, you can contact the administrative office at 403-851-2540 or visit www.cochrane.ca/184/Fire-Bans

or www.albertafirebans.ca

At this time there is no advisory or ban in effect for Rocky View County residents but we will update if a change of status is made.