Update: August 27th, 11:00am : Thanks to the recent cooler temperatures and light precipitation, Lacombe County, Sylvan Lake and Red Deer Counties have reduced the Fire Ban to a Fire Restriction.

Fire permits are still required for all outdoor fires, excluding fires used for cooking or warming purposes and burning barrels, and can be requested through our iPhone app (myLacombeCounty), through the online Fire Permit Request form, over the phone, or in person.

While conditions have improved, the public is reminded to make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving unattended, and to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly. In addition, Lacombe County and the Lacombe County Fire Services reminds the public to use caution when operating off-road vehicles or farm equipment, as hot exhaust pipe poses a fire hazard. The fire hazard continues to change, restrictions may be increased or reduced based on conditions. Please follow our website, www.lacombecounty.com, for the most current information.

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Story from August 8th, 2018:

There’s a fire ban in effect for the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, the Town of Sylvan Lake, and the Town of Penhold until further notice.

Fire marshal Wes Van Bavel says it’s been issued due to dry conditions and poor air quality resulting from the wildfires in British Columbia.

As a result, the following fires are not allowed:

  • Open fires using charcoal, briquettes or wood
  • Any source of open flame, including Tiki Torches

However, there are certain fires that will still be allowed:

  • Certified portable gas fire pits
  • Certified gas stoves or barbeques designed for cooking
  • Certified cooking appliances utilizing charcoal, briquettes or wood pellets on residential property

The fine for contravening the ban is $210 plus applicable response fees.

As well, Van Bavel is urging smokers to properly dispose of their cigarettes. He says an Edmonton apartment fire that caused $14 million in damage was caused by someone failing to do so.

Van Bavel says the improper disposal of cigarettes is a North America-wide problem.

“We just ask people to think twice before throwing that cigarette out the window (of a car), in light of very dry conditions,” he says.

“Just around your home, how are you disposing of that cigarette? Putting it in a peat moss planter? Due to dry conditions the peat moss is not dirt or real soil. It’s a combustible material which means it will burn very easily. The cigarette butt will sit in there, it will smolder and a few hours later, you could have a fire in that peat moss planter.”

He adds the risk is even greater as those planters tend to be kept near houses.

For more information about all fire bans in the province, you can visit www.albertafirebans.ca.