In spite of a rash of grassfires and brush fires in Lacombe and Red Deer Counties, there are still no fire bans or advisories in place. Lacombe Fire Department is asking that you are very careful around any firepits or when doing any kind of burning right now, as it is very dry.

In the Province of Alberta there are currently 43 active wildfires.

If you are heading out for the weekend here are some fire advisories that are in place.

Ponoka County (fire advisory in place)

All existing permits will be allowed to expire and any further fire (open burn) and fireworks permits will be considered &/or issued on a case-by-case basis only.

We encourage residents to please refrain from non-essential burning until conditions improve.

The following are still permitted:

-        burns with approved permits;

-        internal household fire places;

-        incinerators (for farm & acreage use);

-        bylaw compliant burning barrels and fire pits (with screen in place);

-        fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designed camping & recreational areas;

-        portable propane fire pits & appliances;

-        BBQ's & smokers using charcoals and pellets;

Always remember to use extreme caution while using your fire pits, burn barrels and conducting any open burning. An “under control” fire can change in a matter of seconds or minutes. Be aware of the weather conditions at all times while burning. Always extinguish your fire if the change in weather increases the hazard of your fire. Thanks for helping keep the residents and community safe!

Clearwater County (fire advisory in place)

Due to the recent increase in local fire hazard a fire advisory is in effect for all of Clearwater County.

Under this advisory:

·         If you are planning to light a brush pile, be sure to complete a burn notification for it at www.crfrs.ca and we request you use caution if burning while the advisory is in effect.

 Safe burning practices are permitted:

·         Safe wood campfires *

·         Backyard fire pits

·         Portable propane fire pits

·         Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

·         Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

 *Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

·         be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

·         have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

·         have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas.

If you are within the Forest Protection Area: any burning without a valid fire permit though Forestry, other than a campfire, is prohibited. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area (fire advisory in place)

A fire advisory is in effect for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry conditions and increasing spring winds.

Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
  • No new fire permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted
  • Permits for the use of fireworks and exploding targets will not be issued

Prohibited:

  • Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Wetaskiwin County ( Fire Restriction in place)

This Fire Restriction:

1)  Suspends all existing FIRE PERMITS and prohibits the issuance of any new permits.  All existing open burns must be extinguished;

2)  Prohibits the discharge of FIRE WORKS.

The following are PERMITTED during this Fire Restriction:

·       burning barrels equipped with a metal mesh screen;

·       fire pits contained with non-combustible material;

·       portable propane fire pits;

·       gas or propane stoves and barbeques including briquette;

·       catalytic or infrared style heaters.

Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

This Fire Restriction will remain in effect until further notice.