Fire Permits

⚠️ FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT ⚠️
Currently, the fire risk in Lacombe County is MODERATE, and a Fire Advisory is in effect for Lacombe County.

Minor burn permits (< 500 ft³) are still available.
Large‑scale burn permits will not be issued until conditions improve.
The advisory may escalate to a Fire Restriction or Fire Ban without notice.

Practice FireSmart habits and check for updates before burning by checking www.albertafirebans.ca.

As per Lacombe County Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw and the Forest and Prairies Protection Act, Fire Permits can be obtained for a duration of up to seven (7) days through the online Fire Permit Application Form Permits are required for all burning between March 1 and October 31.

Online Fire Permit Application Form Fire Permit Conditions

What can you burn?

Brush and fallen trees
Used power and telephone poles that do not contain preservatives
Wood or wood products not containing preservatives
Solid waste from tree harvesting
Straw, stubble, grass, weeds, leaves, and tree prunings
Solid waste from post and pole operations that does not contain wood preservatives

What can you NOT burn?

Animal manure
Pathological waste (waste from human health centres)
Wood or wood products containing wood preservatives
Waste materials from construction sites
Rubber, including tires
Plastic, including baler twine and grain bags. See recycling options here (link to Ag Plastics Program)
Oil
Containers that held pesticides or any other chemicals
Plastic or rubber coated materials, including copper wire.

When is a Fire Permit NOT required?

Between November 1 and February 28 (or February 29, if it's a leap year)
A recreation fire that is contained in a barbeque or fire pit provided that:
- a minimum of 3.3 metres (10 feet) clearance from buildings, property lines, and combustible materials is maintained;
- and that the barbeque or fire pit is constructed of bricks or concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other suitable non-combustible material
- they are supervised until such time as the fire has been completely extinguished.
- only wood, charcoal briquettes, manufactured fire logs, fireplace pellets, propane, or natural gas is used.
A portable appliance
A Burning Barrel made of a non-combustible structure or container covered with a spark arrester mesh screen made of expanded metal (or equivalent) with openings no larger than 13 millimeters (1/2”).

PLEASE NOTE: Burning Barrels are not permitted in Hamlets, Multi-lot Residential, and Industrial Subdivisions.

Although Fire Permits are not required between November 1 and February 28 (or February 29, if it's a leap year), the public is reminded that:

Smoke cannot cross any major roadways or disturb any neighbouring properties
Wind speeds must be less than 15 kms/hour
If a passerby calls 911, Fire Services are required to attend the scene to ensure a non-emergency.

Let's show our commitment to a safe and responsible community. Remember, even when permits aren't required, safety should always be a top priority. Spread the word and share the knowledge! Together, we can enjoy the warmth of a controlled fire while protecting our beautiful Lacombe County.

Lacombe County Fire Permit regulations and conditions DO NOT apply to any municipal body within Lacombe County. Click here to see Lacombe County's Fire Permit Conditions.

The following municipalities and governing bodies carry out their own individual Fire permit regulations and conditions:

Village of Clive

Summer Village of Gull Lake

Sylvan Summer Villages

Provincial Campgrounds

Federal Campgrounds