PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: Stay Off Active Fire Guards

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued by Saddle Hills County – Stay Off Active Fire Guards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saddle Hills County reminds all residents and visitors: freshly constructed dozer guards are not ATV trails.

While wildfire crews continue active work along fire perimeters using heavy equipment, chainsaws, helicopters, and water tenders some individuals have been observed using these freshly plowed guards as recreational routes. This is extremely dangerous.

Dozer guards are not open to public access. They are part of an active emergency zone.

Wildland fire zones often appear quiet from a distance but remain volatile for days or even weeks. Hazards along and near fireguards include:

• Falling burned or unstable trees
• Operating bulldozers and water trucks
• Helicopters performing bucket drops
• Residual hot spots and flare-ups
• Ongoing patrol and suppression crews

If you're riding an ATV, you may not see or hear danger until it’s too late.

This isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a public interference risk. Unauthorized use of fire lines can delay critical response efforts, compromise equipment access, and put both fire crews and the public in harm’s way.

Saddle Hills County echoes warnings issued by other jurisdictions like BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Forestry:

“Fireguards are for fire crews. Not for recreation.”

We ask all OHV users, trail riders, and backcountry enthusiasts to respect:

• Fire area closures and emergency access restrictions
• Temporary trail or road barricades
• Instructions from fire personnel and signage

Be FireSmart. Be Responsible. Stay Clear.

Violators may be subject to fines or enforcement action under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and other Provincial regulations.

If you see unauthorized activity near an active fire area or along dozer lines, report it to 310-FIRE (3473)

For updates, fire bans, and area restrictions, visit: www.albertafirebans.ca

Saddle Hills County Emergency Management & Protective Services