Calgary issues fire ban prohibiting fire pits, recreational campfires, outdoor fireplaces

Citing a special air quality statement issued by Environment Canada, Calgary has issued a fire ban restricting outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, recreational campfires and more.

"The Calgary Fire Department closely monitors all conditions throughout the year," said Deputy Chief Ken Uzeloc in a statement.

"Today's fire ban reflects significant, increased risk of [poor] air quality resulting from wildfire smoke and a need to restrict burning that would contribute to this."

All parks in the city are included in the fire ban.

The following are prohibited under the ban:

• Open fires.
• Fire pits.
• Outdoor chimeneas.
• Recreational solid fuel barbecues and stoves (charcoal briquettes or wood).
• Tiki torches.

The ban will be in effect until further notice, after smoke and weather conditions are no longer deemed a risk.

• Crews battling relentless wildfires face lightning in the forecast for parts of B.C.
• Non-essential travel to Saskatchewan's north discouraged due to record-setting wildfires

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement at 4:30 a.m. on Friday, noting that wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility.

Wildfire smoke can include many chemicals that can harm health, the weather agency said.

Those exposed to wildfire smoke should consider taking extra precautions to reduce their exposure.

On Thursday, Alberta Wildfire said fire restrictions had been expanded and are now in effect for most of the forest protection areasacrossthe province.