Lethbridge County Council Passes Fire Bylaw
At last week’s Council meeting, Lethbridge County Council passed Bylaw #22-002 – Fire Bylaw, which combines all the County’s previous fire-related bylaws into one comprehensive bylaw for clarity and ease of use. These include:
- Bylaw #933 – Stubble Burning
- Bylaw #1423 – Fire Ban
- Bylaw #1424 – Fire Permit
- Bylaw #21-017 – Lethbridge County Fire Services
The bylaw includes some changes to the content of these included bylaws, such as:
- increasing minimum fines for violations from $100 to $250
- authorizing County administration to impose Fire Bans and Restrictions
- providing more information regarding the declaration of a Fire Restriction
- delegating Council's authority to appoint Fire Guardians under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act to the Chief Administrative Officer
- accurately stating position titles
- reflecting changes made to provincial legislation
Content that has not changed includes:
- requirement to obtain a fire permit prior to burning or discharging fireworks
- materials that can be burned
- the public’s responsibilities during Fire Advisories, Restrictions, and Bans
- fees and the billing process for fire services charges
For more information on the new Fire Bylaw, please visit https://whatshappening.lethcounty.ca/
Background:
First reading of the Fire Bylaw was passed on May 19. Information was posted to the County’s website, social media, app, digital newsletter, and public engagement website, What’s Happening Lethbridge County to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the draft bylaw before Council considered second and third readings on June 16.