Lacombe County is reminding all County residents and businesses of the upcoming fire permit season beginning March 1, 2025. 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.
Obtaining a Fire Permit
Fire permits can be conveniently acquired at any time online via the Lacombe County website at www.lacombecounty.com/FirePermit, ensuring accessibility 24/7. Alternatively, permits are available in person at the Lacombe County Office during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or by contacting the Community Services Department at 403-782-8959 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that permit holders must abide by all of the conditions of the permit.
Dion Burlock, Director of Community Services, emphasizes, “Fire permits are not only free and easy to obtain, but they also provide a crucial layer of safety for property owners and their neighbours. Each permit includes detailed requirements to guarantee that burns are conducted safely and responsibly.”
Safety First: Check Winter Burn Piles
The County urges residents to vigilantly monitor any winter burn piles. These can smoulder unnoticed and reignite, posing a significant fire risk in spring. “It's critical to ensure that all controlled burns are fully extinguished and to adhere to safe burning practices throughout the year,” Burlock adds. If you have done any burning this fall or winter, take the time to visit your burn site to make sure the fire is completely out.
For further information, visit: https://wildfire.alberta.ca
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)
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