Lacombe County lifts all fire restrictions

Due to recent precipitation, Lacombe County has lifted the Fire Advisory. While this change reflects improved conditions, residents are urged to exercise caution and always prioritize fire prevention. 

Fire permits are still required for all outdoor burns, regardless of size, EXCLUDING fires used for cooking or warming and burning barrels. While conditions have improved, it's important to remember that safe burning practices must still be followed. Residents are encouraged to review the conditions outlined in their fire permits and ensure they are burning responsibly. 

Fire permits can be requested online using the Fire Permit Request Form, by phone, or in person at the Lacombe County office. 

“Even with the wet, cool weather, it’s important for the public to be cautious with controlled burns,” said Dave Bain, County Fire Chief and Manager of Fire and Emergency Services.  “We also want to emphasize that any material from smoking, like cigarette butts, are disposed of responsibly, and not tossed from car windows.”  

FIRE PERMIT REMINDERS 

In an effort to ensure community safety and environmental protection, the county enforces the requirement for fire permits for controlled burns. Unauthorized burning could lead to significant fines and charges. Landowners MUST have their permits on their person when burning and present them when asked by fire officials or Community Peace Officers. 

What can be burned? 

• Brush and fallen trees. 
• Used power and telephone poles. 
• 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 CANNOT be burned? 

• 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.  
• Oil. 
• Containers that held pesticides or any other chemicals. 
• Plastic or rubber-coated materials, including copper wire. 

FIRE RESPONSE CHARGES

Property owners will be held financially responsible for fires resulting from negligence or failure to comply with permit conditions, including:

• Fire truck: $720 per hour
• Water truck: $720 per hour
• Rapid response unit/mini pumper: $720 per hour
• Rescue truck: $720 per hour
• Command vehicle: $210 per hour

(These rates are current up to March 2025)

Lacombe County and the Lacombe County Fire Services continue to ask the public to use caution when:  

• Operating Off-Road Vehicles or farm equipment, as hot exhaust pipes pose a fire hazard.   
• Disposing of cigarette butts, as they can easily light dried brush and grass.  

We urge all residents and landowners to be vigilant. Even a small spark in these conditions can lead to major consequences.   

For the latest province-wide updates on fire advisories, restrictions, or bans, visit www.albertafirebans.ca or check www.lacombecounty.com for local updates.