Fire restrictions have been eased in Lethbridge and Lethbridge County following recent precipitation and cooler temperatures in the region.
The City of Lethbridge lifted its River Valley Fire Ban effective immediately. Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services will continue to monitor weather and wind conditions, and fire restrictions may be reinstated if conditions become hot, dry and windy again.
Residents and visitors are reminded to use caution with outdoor fires. Recreational fires must be kept small and supervised, use clean, dry wood and approved fire pits, and have water or another means of extinguishing the fire nearby.
Fires should be completely extinguished before people leave, and outdoor fires should not be lit when winds are gusting at or above 30 km/h.
Smoking materials should also be fully extinguished and disposed of safely.
Meanwhile, Lethbridge County lifted its Fire Restriction effective June 1. The county said recent precipitation and cooler temperatures had reduced the fire risk.
Under the county’s Fire Bylaw, controlled burns, including yard waste and burn pits, require a permit. Fireworks also require a permit.
Recreational campfires in approved fire pits are allowed, along with burn barrels and incinerators with spark arrestors, charcoal briquette barbecues, wood pellet grills and CSA- or ULC-approved gas or propane heaters, stoves and fire pits.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring conditions, as the county may impose a Fire Restriction or Fire Ban if wildfire risk increases.
The City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County both remind residents that fire conditions can change quickly and that caution is still required when having outdoor fires.
