Foothills County has switched from a fire ban to a fire restriction.

That means fireworks, torches, lanterns, and any outdoor fires requiring permits are prohibited, while residential fire pits, campfires at campsites, and burn barrels are permitted.

Though we've seen some precipitation here and there in the last few weeks, Foothills Fire Chief Rick Saulnier says it's been drying up pretty quick.

"The very next day when the sun comes up, even the wind dries it up just as fast as the sun does. With the windy and sunny conditions the following day, it just dries things right back up again, so we need a good few days of rain. More in the 5-10 millimetre range as opposed to the 1-2 millimetre."

We may have a bit more this weekend judging from the forecast, but he says it's best to wait for official word from the county.

"The little bit of rain we had recently is still not enough. We need the rain that's coming in the forecast and hopefully some cooler weather. I wouldn't get too excited yet with the restriction that's in place."

With that said, if you do plan on enjoying a campfire or fire pit, you're asked to dowse the surrounding area with water.

A fire ban could be imposed again at any time, so Saulnier recommends keeping an eye on the provincial fire ban webpage, as well as Foothills County's fire ban page.

 

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