NOVEMBER 3 | Fire Ban Issued for Lacombe County

Lacombe County has upgraded the current Fire Advisory to a Fire Ban due to several recent large fires, a continued lack of moisture, and persistent windy conditions.

“The anticipated moisture we expected in late October never arrived,” said Dave Bain, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services. “Now it’s time for us to ensure the safety of our residents and put a ban on burning until further notice.”

Effective immediately, a complete fire ban is in effect, and no fireworks permits will be issued.

• No burning barrels are permitted under this ban. 
• Any outdoor fires, including campfires, presently burning within Lacombe County must be extinguished immediately.
• Gas/propane stoves, barbeques, and portable propane fire pits are permitted but must always be attended to. 
• The ignition of all outdoor fires within the boundaries of Lacombe County is hereby prohibited.

This ban DOES NOT apply to:

• Fires which are contained within cooking and heating appliances, and which are fueled by fluids, gases, charcoal briquettes, or wood pellets.
• Propane-fueled fire pits.

Check your old burn piles
In addition, Lacombe County Fire Services encourages all landowners who had burn permits issued this fall to check their burn locations to ensure fires are fully extinguished. 

“Please check those old piles today,” emphasized Bain. “While those fires may have appeared extinguished, deep ground fires can smoulder unseen for weeks or even months and strong winds and dry conditions create the perfect environment for these hidden embers to reignite."

What You Can Do
•    Inspect old burn sites now—especially if you burned in the last few weeks.
•    Use a metal rod to probe deep into the pile. If it’s warm, it’s not out.
•    Soak any hot spots thoroughly with water, and spread the ash to cool it down.
•    Never assume it's out just because you don't see smoke.

Lacombe County and the Lacombe County Fire Services remind 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. 

This Fire Ban will remain in place until conditions improve. For the latest updates on fire advisories, restrictions, or bans:
•    Visit www.albertafirebans.ca 
•    Or check www.lacombecounty.com for local updates.