Lethbridge County has upgraded its Fire Advisory to a full Fire Ban due to ongoing hot, dry and windy conditions. These factors have elevated the wildfire risk in our region to extreme.
Under the Fire Ban, all burning is prohibited.
This includes:
- Recreational campfires
- Burning barrels and incinerators
- Charcoal briquette barbecues
- Any other open flame (i.e. burn pits, yard waste burning)
- Fireworks
Still permitted are:
- Gas or propane heaters, stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified
- Wood pellet grills
- Gas or propane firepits/rings that are CSA approved or UL certified
Fines apply for burning during a Fire Ban. To report a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Lethbridge County evaluates several factors before issuing a Fire Ban, including weather forecasts, moisture levels in vegetation, fire spread models and consultation with regional fire departments and provincial wildfire officials. Although crops may be green, dry fuels in ditches and coulees pose a significant wildfire risk.
“The current wildfire situation we’re seeing across the Prairie provinces is a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can impact entire communities,” says Heath Wright, director of Emergency Services. “Wildfires don’t respect municipal boundaries — here in our region, they can move rapidly through dry grass, coulees and ditches, putting people, property and livestock at risk. This Fire Ban is in place to protect not only Lethbridge County, but our neighbours. We’re asking everyone to take it seriously, because we all share the responsibility of keeping our communities safe.”
Additional Fire Safety Reminders:
- Take burnable yard debris to any transfer station at no charge
- Coaldale, Nobleford, Picture Butte accept smaller loads
- Iron Springs accepts larger loads.
- The Lethbridge Waste and Recycling Centre accepts yard waste for County residents, please call 403-328-5525 or visit the County’s Lethbridge office to obtain an access card for $10.
- Discard smoking materials properly. Never toss them into planters, ditches or dry grass. Ensure they’re fully extinguished and never discard outside a vehicle.
- Off-Highway Vehicles and equipment can start fires. Check regularly for debris and ensure mufflers and spark arrestors are in good condition.
