Lethbridge County has issued a Fire Restriction effective 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 due to the warm and dry conditions that are occurring and forecasted to continue. The risk of fire spread in the area is elevated, prompting the decision to implement the Restriction.

Under the Fire Restriction all active fire and fireworks permits are cancelled and no new ones will be issued until further notice. Fines apply for burning during a Fire Restriction.

Recreational campfires (campground and backyard fire pits) and acceptable incinerators that meet the specifications of the County’s Fire Bylaw #22-002 are permitted, but users are asked to use these with increased caution. Visit https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-permits or call the County office at 403-328-5525 to determine if yours meets the criteria. Fires contained in cooking or heating appliances fueled by fluids or gasses (gas or propane fueled fire rings, BBQs, stoves, and heaters) are also allowed.

The Restriction has been put in place to prevent wildfires, which can threaten public safety and result in possible evacuation orders, property damage, poor air quality, and road closures. 

“As we have seen in other parts of the province this week, the wildfire risk is elevated and conditions are right for them to quickly spread,” says Byron Fraser, Lethbridge County Fire Services Manager. “It is essential that the public adhere to the Fire Restriction we have issued to reduce the risk of damaging wildfires in the County.”

To be prepared this wildfire season, and for any potential emergency or disaster, Lethbridge County encourages citizens to ensure they have an emergency kit for their household. It should include essential items such as food, water, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Learn how to build a kit at https://www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit.aspx. Keeping vehicles fuelled up in case of an evacuation order and downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive emergency notifications are additional actions the public can take to be prepared for unexpected situations.

If conditions do not improve, Lethbridge County may move from a Fire Restriction to a Fire Ban at any time. Always be aware of the current Fire Ban status by visiting https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-bans.