CHAT NEWS TODAY

By Brian Konrad

Permits for open burning end April 1

Fire restrictions begin April 1 in Cypress County

Mar 11, 2021 | 10:25 AM

DUNMORE AB. — April first marks the beginning of fire season in Cypress County, and that means people have until the end of the month to apply for a permit for open burning.

The county adjusted the start of it’s fire season last year to April 1st, in recognition of the fact there’s often still snow covering the ground when the provincial fire season starts on March 1st.

Deputy Fire Chief John McBain says it gives producers a little more time to burn things like bales, scrap wood, or branches.

But after the start of April, that must stop.

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“Spring is always bad for us, depending on when the grass greens up” says McBain.

“When the snow melts, everything underneath is dried and cured and if it’s warm and windy it will burn really well” cautions McBain.

Providing conditions are okay after April 1st, county residents will still be able to have campfires, or use burning barrels or incinerators.

But open burning permits will only be issued in special cases that might have a direct impact on the landowners operation to make a living.