Open fires are banned in areas of Cypres Hills Interprovincial Park
 Campers will have to put their firewood away as the Ministry of Environment has issued a ban on all open fires in the Centre and West Blocks of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

They also restricted vehicle access to some back country roads and trails.

Parks Supervisor Brant Seifert says the grass in the area has dried out throughout the summer causing extreme fire hazard.

You can still use self-contained heating devices, pressurized stoves and charocoal briquettes to cook.

Seifert can't predict when they will lift the ban, but says it likely won't be immediate as the forecast calls for hot and dry weather over the next couple of weeks.

Interview with Parks Supervisor Brant Seifert: