Fire restriction back in Lethbridge County

Posted on 24 June 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

As of 2 p.m., Monday, June 24, a Fire Restriction is in place for Lethbridge County. The risk of fire spread has been elevated due to warmer temperatures and high winds. These weather conditions are expected to continue with little to no precipitation in the forecast. 

The Restriction is in place to prevent wildfires. They threaten public safety and can result in evacuation orders, property damage, poor air quality and road closures.

All active fire and fireworks permits are immediately cancelled. No new ones will be issued until further notice. Fines apply for open burning during a Fire Restriction.

Recreational campfires (campground and backyard fire pits) are still permitted. Always make sure the fire is completely out and never leave it unattended. Ensure there is a buffer zone between the fire pit and any vegetation or items that could catch fire.

Fires in cooking or heating appliances fueled by fluids or gases are allowed as well. These include gas or propane-fueled fire rings, BBQs, stoves and heaters. Also permitted are incinerators that meet the specifications of the County’s Fire Bylaw. Use these with care to ensure that sparks do not escape and light surrounding items on fire.

You can take actions to prevent wildfires, too. Drivers throwing smoking materials out of windows into rural ditches are the cause of numerous wildfires across the country every year. The dry vegetation in ditches can easily catch fire from a single smoldering cigarette, quickly leading to a larger wildfire.

The County encourages you to consider if  you are prepared for emergencies this wildfire season. We have already seen communities evacuated this spring from approaching wildfires. There are a few simple steps to take to be ready for these kinds of situations:

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive live-saving notifications to your phone
• Keeping vehicles fuelled up in case of an evacuation
• Adding one thing to your emergency kit each time you go shopping

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation in keeping the region safe from wildfires.