A total fire ban has been issued for Sturgeon County, Redwater, Legal, and Bon Accord, effective 5:10 p.m. Saturday, as dry conditions, strong winds, and an active wildfire in the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area elevate the regional fire danger.
The fire ban prohibits all outdoor fires, including recreational firepits, open fires, burn barrels, chimineas, incinerators, fireworks, and solid fuel barbecues using charcoal or pellets. All existing fire and fireworks permits are now suspended, and no new permits will be issued until further notice.
Also included in the ban is the prohibition of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which can ignite fires through hot exhaust or debris in dry grassy areas.
Gas-powered or electric appliances that can be shut off by a switch or valve—such as propane barbecues, fire tables, smokers, and patio heaters—are still allowed.
Sturgeon County officials are urging residents to extinguish any fires immediately, including those previously authorized by permit.
"Given the active fire situation and current weather conditions, we are taking every precaution to reduce the risk of new ignitions," the County said in a statement.
State of Emergency
The fire ban comes as the County grapples with a growing wildfire at the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, which has already burned an estimated 388 hectares (959 acres). In response, Sturgeon County has declared a state of local emergency, and the Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership (SREMP) has activated its emergency coordination centre.
Firefighters remain on scene supported by three aerial firefighting helicopters, heavy equipment, and provincial wildfire resources. The originally affected area stretched from Range Road 205 to Victoria Trail and Township Road 574 to Range Road 203. An expanded evacuation alert zone now includes areas south of Township Road 580 and east of Range Road 212 to the North Saskatchewan River, in case winds shift or fire activity escalates.
Vigilance and preparedness
Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution when working or driving in grassy or wooded areas, keep vehicles clean of debris, and take action around their homes to reduce wildfire risks using FireSmart principles.
Officials say regular updates will be issued three times daily, with potential media availability from Fire Chief Chad Moore or Mayor Alanna Hnatiw as the situation unfolds. Residents in alert zones should be ready to evacuate on short notice and have an emergency kit ready with at least 72 hours of supplies.
For the latest updates, visit sturgeoncounty.ca/fire-bans or albertafirebans.ca, or call 780-939-8400.
Always dial 911 in an emergency.
