Fire permit season has begun in the County of Lacombe

Fire permit season has officially begun for the County of Lacombe. Burning without a fire permit can result in a large fine so it’s best to get yours before you burn. Fire permits are needed for outdoor fires excluding campfires lit for cooking and warming purposes.

You can get your fire permits at the Lacombe County Website, through the My Lacombe County app (for iPhone users only), or by calling the Lacombe County Office at 403-782-8959.

“It’s about public safety and burning responsibly,” said Drayon Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief. “Fire permits are free of charge and easy to obtain, yet we continue to have situations where people don’t take out a permit and can be charged under the bylaw. The intent of fire permit requirements is simply to ensure the safety of Lacombe County residents and their neighbours.”

A flat rate of $300 will be charged for failure to have a fire permit or for any provision of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act.

The County of Lacombe is reminding residents to check on their burn piles as they can smolder for many months and are often rekindled by wind. In combination with a dry spring season, fires resulting from these conditions can be disastrous.

“Residents are encouraged to check on any controlled burns performed outside of permit season, as larger burns can smolder through the winter and reignite as it warms up,” said Bussiere. “By obeying with the fire permit process and using safe burning practices, Lacombe County residents can help us keep our County safe throughout the season.”

If fire department assistance is needed for these burns, it can become quite costly. Should a Fire Department respond to a fire for which a permit has not been issued, or if a permit has been issued and the permit holder contravenes any of the conditions of the permit, the property owner will be assessed costs at the following rates: