| ENVIRONMENT: Fire threat forces closure of forests in southwest Alberta |
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(AlbertaIndex, August 2, Thursday) --- The Alberta government has stopped public access to part of the province’s forest in the south west from August 1 due to what it calls extreme wildfire hazard conditions. The area closure applies to the forested area in part of Poll Haven and from the northern border of Waterton Lakes National Park extending northward to just west of Nanton, including provincial parks. Certain roads in the area have also been closed.The government has also prohibited all outdoor fires throughout the closure area, in the remainder of Poll Haven and from the northern border of Waterton Lakes National Park extending north to west of Sundre. The fire ban prohibits the use of all wood, briquette and propane or natural gas fires, including those contained within designated fire facilities. Gas and propane stoves, when designed for cooking, will be allowed. Forests in southwest Alberta are tinder dry and the wildfire hazard is rated as more extreme than in 2003, when the 54,000-hectare Lost Creek wildfire burned out of control in the Crowsnest Pass area for 26 days. “Area closures are not done lightly,” said Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton. “The protection of human lives and communities are our top priorities. We are asking for everyone's cooperation in following these safety restrictions.” The order prohibits public access to the area except for residents and other authorized personnel, who require a permit to travel in the closed area. Permits are free and available from Sustainable Resource Development offices in Calgary and Blairmore. Alberta Parks said wildfire hazard levels and forest conditions are being evaluated on a daily basis. The area closure order and fire ban will be removed when conditions warrant. Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!         |
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