Regional Counties Issue Fire Ban As Dry Weather Continues

MHFD crews work on a small fire in the coulee on the Southeast Hill last September. (File photo)

The County of Newell issued a widespread fire restriction across the rural municipality this morning including burn barrels and fireworks.

Fire guardians in the county will cease to issue fire permits until the fire restriction is ended.

Cypress County is issuing a limited fire restriction as large swaths of southern Alberta are experiencing extreme dry conditions this spring.

The county issued it’s restriction this week banning use of fireworks but allowing continued use of burn barrels, campfires and barbecues. Fire pits are required to be less than 36-inches in diameter, 10-feet away from combustable material with the ability to extinguish.

The province is warning conditions are extreme across nearly all grassland areas south of Edmonton with exceptions along the Eastern Slopes and Cypress Hills which are rated mostly at very high danger.

Extreme conditions can lead to fast-spreading, high-intensity fires which are difficult to control.

Tuesday afternoon saw a grassfire break out off Saamis Drive.

No injuries or structure damage was reported.

The provincial fire danger index for May 6, 2026. (Graphic courtesy of Alberta Government)