Lethbridge County has issued a fire restriction until further notice.
Note: the Town of Coalhurst abides by Lethbridge County’s fire restriction mandates.
PSA – Fire Restriction Issued in Lethbridge County Effective July 21
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
July 21, 2023
Fire Restriction in effect for Lethbridge County
LETHBRIDGE COUNTY– Lethbridge County has issued a Fire Restriction effective at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023. Hot, dry conditions are forecasted to continue into next week, elevating the risk of fire spread.
Under the Fire Restriction all active fire and fireworks permits are cancelled and no new ones will be issued until further notice. Fines apply for burning during a Fire Restriction. If conditions do not improve, Lethbridge County may move from a Fire Restriction to a Fire Ban at any time. Always be aware of the current Fire Ban status by visiting https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-bans.
Recreational campfires (campground and backyard fire pits) and acceptable incinerators that meet the specifications of the County’s Fire Bylaw #22-002 are permitted. Visit https://lethcounty.ca/p/fire-permits or call the County office at 403-328-5525 to determine if yours meets the criteria. Fires contained in cooking or heating appliances fueled by fluids or gasses (gas or propane-fueled fire rings, BBQs, stoves, and heaters) are also allowed.
The Restriction has been issued to prevent wildfires, which can threaten public safety and result in possible evacuation orders, property damage, poor air quality, and road closures.
“With temperatures forecasted to remain high, and no precipitation anticipated in the coming days, we expect the wildfire risk to increase,” says Byron Fraser, Lethbridge County Fire Services Manager. “We are asking the public to be aware of this risk and take actions to prevent them.”
Never throw cigarette butts into ditches or dry grass. When enjoying a recreational fire pit, always make sure the fire is completely out and never leave it unattended. With some producers beginning harvest, the risk of fires in the field has also increased. Always have a water truck available and do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance if a fire ignites. Also thoroughly check all equipment before use. Removing debris from the mechanisms can prevent a spark from turning into a running fire.
Lethbridge County encourages citizens to take action and ensure they are prepared this wildfire season. Have a household emergency kit that includes essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Learn how to build a kit at https://www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit.aspx. Keeping vehicles fuelled up in case of an evacuation order and downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive emergency notifications are additional actions to be prepared for unexpected situations.