CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Fire ban lifted at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Aug 29, 2018 | 4:58 PM

 

ELKWATER, AB — Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park has lifted its fire ban ahead of the Labour Day long weekend.

The park, which had been under a fire ban for much of August, is currently under a fire restriction, which means the only fires allowed are in designated fire pits and enclosed areas.

“With the fires burning elsewhere, there is always a concern that the dry weather everywhere is going to affect all parks,” said Mike Ractliffe, head of visitor services with the park. “It has been a dry summer here, but this rain was very important. It was just enough to life the fire ban and reset the fire values a little bit.”

Ractliffe adds campers should continue to use caution if they choose to have a fire this weekend.

“Whenever you go camping, you should always be careful, whether there is a fire restriction, a fire ban or all fires are actually allowed,” he said. “Always make sure that any campground fire that you have is out completely, douse it with water, make sure there’s no embers burning and that way, everybody stays safe.”

Ractliffe says there are very few camping spots available at the park left for the long weekend, and they expect the park to be packed.