Edmonton fire ban issued due to hot, dry, windy conditions

A fire ban was issued for Edmonton on Thursday morning because of prolonged dry, hot and windy conditions.

Edmonton Fire Rescue will make the official announcement at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The Alberta Fire Bans website posted the ban early in the morning.

READ MORE: A list of bans and advisories across Alberta

Edmonton Fire Rescue said the ban prohibits open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits, cooking stoves and barbecues that use fuels such as wood and briquettes.

The decision was based on the Fire Weather Index, which monitors temperature, wind conditions, humidity and precipitation levels.

Edmonton fire said although there has been some precipitation this week, the amount hasn’t been enough to improve conditions.

Anyone who doesn’t comply with the ban could be fined.

READ MORE: 2 wildfires northeast of Edmonton being held

A number of communities and counties in the province have fire bans in place, particularly in the central and eastern parts of Alberta.

Last weekend, fire crews started battling two wildfires in Strathcona County, which continued into this week.

The situation stabilized on Tuesday when crews said the fires were being held.

On Wednesday, Strathcona County Emergency Services said one of the fires in the northern part of the county was being held, but crews were seeing flare-ups in the afternoon because of wind.

A fire advisory remains for Strathcona County.