M.D. of Taber cancels fire ban

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By Cole Parkinson
Taber Times
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

After enacting a fire ban on July 5, the Municipal District of Taber carried a motion to cancel the ban after moisture hit southern Alberta.

In a special meeting on Aug. 24, council gathered to officially renounce the fire ban. According to Bylaw No. 1956 – M.D. of Taber Fire Services Bylaw, section 7.6, only council has the authority to cancel a fire ban” and “At any time council may by resolution cancel a ban on open fires”

“So, that’s why we’re here today — to make official the email transactions that took place last week authorizing Jason (Bullock, director of Agricultural Services) to cancel the fire ban that was on,” explained Reeve Merrill Harris.

Administration further explained why a special meeting was needed in order to cancel the fire ban.

“Last week, an email was sent around by our CAO Arlos (Crofts) talking about the fire ban and lifting it. I believe all of you responded to that email and this just makes it official under our fire bylaw to have it done by motion of council,” added Bullock, who also touched on the coming forecast for the area. “It does look like we’ve got a two-week forecast that we’ll be mindful of the burning. We don’t know what happens after that, but if a lot of these guys can clean out their burn pits or burning barrels, that would be great.”

Council pointed out the cooler forecasted temperatures made it an easier decision to lift the fire ban.

“I’ve seen numerous fires already in the last day and a half. So, looking at the weather, we’re good with cool, wet weather for the next two weeks. I think we’re safe in that time period,” stated Harris. “Usually by then we’re getting some cooler temperatures and should be OK to remove this fire ban. If things get hot and dry again, we might have to look at putting it back on, but for now, we’re safe to remove it.”

M.D. of Taber Regional Fire added they were in favour of removing the ban as well.

“All the fire chiefs all had their say in agreement with removing the fire ban,” stated Nathan Cote.

A motion to cancel the fire ban was carried unanimously by council.

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