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Fire Permit Season Begins March 1HAVE YOU GOT YOURS? Burning without a fire permit can result in a hefty fine. Under Lacombe County`s Fire Protection Policy, anyone found burning without a permit will be required to pay for the fire department response fees. Online Fire Permit Request here (**Disabled between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28)See the document below for information on what materials are permissible for burning. |
When do you require a fire permit?
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act prohibits the lighting of an outdoor fire, excluding an attended outdoor campfire which has been set for cooking or warming purposes, between March 1 and October 31 each year, on land in a permit area, unless the person is a holder of a subsisting fire permit.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act states that no person shall:
- light an outdoor fire without first taking sufficient precautions to ensure that the fire can be kept under control at all times, or
- light an outdoor fire when weather conditions are conducive to a fire readily escaping out of control, or
- fail to take reasonable steps to control a fire for the purpose of preventing it from spreading unto land other than his own, or
- deposit, discard or leave any burning matter or substance in a place where it might ignite other matter and result in a fire.
How can you obtain a permit?
Beginning on March 1, online fire permits can be obtained from the Lacombe County website homepage (www.lacombecounty.com) and from the “myLacombeCounty” app. Permits can also be requested in person at the Lacombe County Office, or by calling 403-782-8959.
What you need to know
In Lacombe County, fire permits are required during the fire season, which starts March 1st and ends October 31st each year, but can be extended if the risk or danger of wildfire exists.
Before lighting any fire, a permit holder must take precautions to ensure that the fire is kept under control at all times. The following rules apply to all permits issued in Lacombe County:
- A fire permit is valid only for the period that it is issued for.
- Upon issuing a permit, the County may specify any special fire control condition that, in their discretion, is important to the safety of the county residents.
- The fire must be set at the time and place indicated on the permit.
- The number of fires set at one time and minimum equipment needed may be specified on the permit.
- Anyone who sets a fire under the authority of a permit must:
- Have a the permit at the fire site
- Produce and show the permit to a County employee on request
- Keep the fire under control, and
- Extinguish the fire before expiration, or upon cancellation of the permit, or obtain a renewal.
What can you burn?
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Burnable debris includes:
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Prohibited debris includes:
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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).
NOTICE - FIRE PERMITS
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act prohibits the lighting of an outdoor fire, excluding an attended outdoor campfire which has been set for cooking or warming purposes, during the period from the 1st day of March to the 31st day of October in each year, on land in a permit area, unless the person is a holder of a subsisting fire permit.
Pursuant to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, no person shall:
(a) light an outdoor fire without first taking sufficient precautions to ensure that the fire can be kept under control at all times, or
(b) light an outdoor fire when weather conditions are conducive to a fire readily escaping out of control, or
(c) fail to take reasonable steps to control a fire for the purpose of preventing it from spreading unto land other than his own, or
(d) deposit, discard or leave any burning matter or substance in a place where it might ignite other matter and result in a fire.
Lacombe County is responsible for the administration of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act within the County. Any person who contravenes this Act or who refuses or neglects to comply with any condition in a permit or with any order or request directed to him pursuant to this Act is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction.
Should a Fire Department respond to a fire for which a permit has not been issued, the property owner will be assessed costs at the following rates:
(a) fire truck - $500 per hour
(b) water truck - $300 per hour
(c) rapid response unit/mini pumper - $300 per hour
(d) equipment van - $300 per hour
(e) equipment other than fire apparatus – Lacombe County cost
(f) personnel other than fire department members - Lacombe County cost
A flat rate of $300 will be charged for responses to a fire when a person is in contravention of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act for failure to have a fire permit or violation of any other provision of the Act and fire suppression is not required.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR STUBBLE BURNING
A Stubble Burning Permit is required throughout the year prior to burning the stubble or swath of any crop. A field inspection will be required prior to the issuance of a permit. Phone the Agricultural Fieldman at 782-6601 a few days in advance for inspection arrangements. Stubble Burning Permits may only be obtained at the County office from the Manager of Environmental and Protective Services or the Agricultural Fieldman.