The Alberta government has issued a fire ban for parts of Southern Alberta due to continuing hot and dry conditions.

The ban will affect the Forest Protection Area south of Highway 532, along with the MD of Foothills and Vulcan County.

Rocky View County also issued a fire ban saying conditions aren't improving.

"Due to the continued dry and windy conditions, Rocky View County Fire Services is stepping up the fire ban," says Rocky View Fire Chief Randy Smith, "Effective today we are moving to a full out fire ban."

As a result of the ban, no open fires, including campfires, will be allowed until further notice, though propane and gas powered stoves and fire pits are still permitted.

The ban will be in place until a significant amount of moisture hits the grounds.

"The windy conditions certainly does dry out the ground really quick," says Smith. "We really want to see a couple days of a nice steady rain."

As of July 19th, The Town of Cochrane remains under a fire advisory, which means fire are allowed, but no fire permits will be given out.

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