Dry conditions and rising fire danger have prompted new fire restrictions across the region.

A fire ban is now in effect for the Town of Pincher Creek, the Village of Cowley, Piikani Nation and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has moved from a Fire Advisory to a Fire Restriction, and Waterton Lakes National Park is under its own fire restriction as well.

Pincher Creek, Cowley, Piikani Nation and MD of Pincher Creek — Fire Ban

Under the ban:

• No new debris or fire pit permits will be issued.
• Existing debris permits are cancelled.
• Existing and new recreational fire pit and burn barrel permits are suspended until conditions improve.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• All open fire is prohibited.
• Propane barbecues and fire pits are still permitted.

People are asked to use caution with off-highway vehicles.

The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. For more information, call 403-627-5333.

Crowsnest Pass — Fire Restriction

The restriction took effect July 29, and will remain in place until conditions improve or further escalation is needed.

Not allowed:

Outdoor wood fires on public land, including backcountry and random camping areas

Any burning on private land, other than a campfire

Fireworks and exploding targets

Still allowed:

• Backyard fire pits
• Propane fire pits and gas-powered appliances
• Charcoal and wood-burning devices with an on/off switch
• Indoor wood fires
• Open-flame oil devices

For more information, contact the municipal office at 403-562-8833.

Waterton — Fire Restriction

Campfires are permitted only in designated Parks Canada metal fire rings or boxes and cook stoves within cooking shelters.

Building a rock ring in place of these designated pits is not permitted, and random fires are never allowed.

To safely enjoy a campfire in the park:

• Keep campfires small and only in designated fire rings or boxes.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Completely extinguish campfires with water — soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it’s cool to the touch before leaving it.
• Naturally occurring wildfires, such as those from lightning strikes, can’t be prevented, but human-caused fires can. Parks Canada asks the public to help keep communities and first responders safe by not lighting illegal campfires.

Report wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-888-927-3367.

For the most current fire ban information, visit albertafirebans.ca.