FIRE PERMIT SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1: DON’T FORGET YOURS!

Lacombe County reminds people that permit requests are free and easy to submit.

Lacombe County reminds ratepayers that fire permit season starts on March 1, 2023. Burning without a fire permit will result in a hefty fine. 

Fire permits are easiest to get and are available 24/7 online here or the myLacombeCounty app (iPhone users only). Permits can also be requested in person at the Lacombe County Office during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by calling the Community Services Department at 403-782-8959 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“Fire permits are free, easy to obtain, and are emailed to you directly, so you always have it with you,” said Bussiere. “Permits are there to ensure the safety of Lacombe County residents and their neighbours and come with a detailed list of the requirements to ensure burns can be completed safely. While most controlled burns in the County are permitted, we continue to have situations where people don’t take out a permit and can be charged under the bylaw.”

Under Lacombe County’s Fire Protection Policy, anyone found burning without a permit will be required to pay for the fire department response fees. A flat rate of $300 will be charged for responses not requiring fire suppression where a person is in contravention of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act for failure to have a fire permit or any other provision of the Act.

Remember to check your winter burn piles.

It’s essential to burn safely throughout the year – whether it’s permit season or not. Many producers brush land and burn the brush during the winter months. It is crucial to check these piles, as they can smoulder for many months and be rekindled by the wind. Combine this with potentially dry spring conditions, and the resulting fires can be disastrous.

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

Fires that are started by rekindled brush piles are the property owner’s responsibility, and can also be charged for the fire response. 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:

• fire truck - $500 per hour
• water truck - $300 per hour
• rapid response unit/mini pumper - $300 per hour
• rescue truck - $300 per hour
• equipment other than fire apparatus – Lacombe County cost
• personnel other than fire department members - Lacombe County cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember to recycle
Many items that you may consider burning can be recycled: Plastics, paper, cardboard, metal materials, used oil, tires and beverage containers, along with many other items. Call the Recycle Info Line at 1-800-463-8320 for local information or visit the Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission website (www.lrwsc.ca).