Wetaskiwin Tomorrow

Manager of Wetaskiwin Fire Services, Mitch Carson has sent the following information regarding all the smoke in Wetaskiwin:

Here’s what he has to say:

On September 15th, our Fire Department was called to help with a large brush fire on the Louis Bull Reserve south of Bear Hills Lake. This fire is continuing to burn and has gone underground. It is burning fine roots and porous organic material that produces irritating smoke.

During the night, weather conditions are causing a temperature inversion that holds the smoke close to the ground. The smoke may cause difficulty for some people with pulmonary issues. The Louis Bull Fire Department is doing everything they can to extinguish this fire which is in an area that is difficult to access. We currently estimate that the smoke may continue linger at night off and on for the next couple of weeks.

If you have any questions please [the Wetaskiwin Fire Department] a call [at 780-361-4429].

UPDATE. This just in from the County of Wetaskiwin:

Burning conditions have escalated to a level which makes any burning activity unsafe, therefore:

Effective Thursday September 24, 2009 at 8:00 am, the County of Wetaskiwin declares a TOTAL FIRE BAN within the entire County of Wetaskiwin boundaries. This ban includes: permitted fires, fire pits
including campfires used for heating or cooking, burning barrels and fireworks of all types.

The ban will remain in effect until such time as conditions warrant.

For further information, please contact the County of Wetaskiwin Fire Services at 780-352-3321.

ANOTHER UPDATE. From Mitch:

The fire ban does not apply to the City of Wetaskiwin, however we are asking that people use extreme caution when using their fire pits. As a rule, other fires are not permitted within the City. The Lions Campground is voluntarily prohibiting campfires for the rest of their season.