Fire bans temporarily ban backyard fire pits when conditions are hot and dry. Keep track of current fire bans in effect throughout Lethbridge.
Fire and Emergency Services
The City of Lethbridge’s Fire and Emergency Services staff deliver fire suppression and emergency response services to the Lethbridge community. Our Fire Prevention Bureau delivers fire safety programs and education, and fire prevention assistance and enforcement. Staff also facilitate fire inspections for homes and new buildings/occupancy, distribute fire permits and issue fire watches when environmental conditions and temperatures are conducive to a greater risk for fire.
We are committed to educating the public around proper fire safety and fire prevention to create a safer community.
Fire Prevention Week
October 6 - 12, 2024
Every second counts when a fire breaks out, and the early warning provided by working smoke alarms can be lifesaving. During this year’s Fire Prevention Week, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) encourages residents to take action to make sure their smoke alarms work for them.
The 2024 campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you,” focuses on three important steps:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they stop working.
A home can burn quickly, leaving families with only a short window of time to escape once a fire starts. Properly functioning smoke alarms provide that early alert.
Outreach Events
LFES is hosting several outreach events during Fire Prevention Week:
- Lethbridge Public Library Downtown branch on Tuesday, October 8, from 2 – 4 p.m.;
- Lethbridge Public Library Crossings branch on Wednesday, October 9, from 2 – 4 p.m.;
- Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization (LSCO) on Thursday, October 10, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon;
The outreach events will offer information on fire safety and smoke alarms, along with a chance to win a draw for a fire extinguisher or fire blanket. The events are an opportunity to connect with Fire Prevention Officers, ask questions and learn more about fire safety in your home.
Fire Chief for a Day Colouring Contest
LFES is hosting a ‘Fire Chief for a Day’ colouring contest as part of Fire Prevention Week. Children under 12 are encouraged to participate by submitting their completed colouring sheets for a chance to win. The winner will have an opportunity to serve as the Fire Chief for a day. Entries must be submitted by October 20, 2024. During Fire Prevention Week colouring sheets can be downloaded online, picked up at the outreach events, or are available for pick up from the Lethbridge Public Library.
Recruitment and careers
Learn how to apply to be a part of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services as a firefighter. Discover more information about the hiring process, what you need to apply, testing qualifications, new recruit training, ride-alongs and how to be notified of new job postings.
Regulations and inquiries
Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is here to support you with the proper permits and information to help keep our community safe.
Backyard fire pit permits are not required in the City of Lethbridge; however, all residents must be familiar and abide with our Open Burning Bylaw. Check out our fire permit information and application process if you wish to:
- Learn about the requirements you must have in place when operating a fire pit
- Learn how to apply for a commercial Open Burn Permit
- Learn how to apply for a Pyrotechnic Permit or a Fire Performance Permit if you wish to discharge firework displays or host a fire performance (fire spinning, etc.)
Discover how to request a home inspection or a new building/occupancy with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services.
Report a fire safety complain to our fire prevention bureau and we will follow up with you on your matter.
You can request a fire watch (a physical patrol of a building’s common areas, property exterior and other designated rooms/areas) if life safety systems become inoperable, such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler suppression systems and emergency generators.
In an attempt to reduce the number of false alarm responses by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, Bylaw 5542 allows Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services to charge a fee for services regarding false fire alarms.
False Alarm Fees
All false alarm fees are calculated per calendar year)
- 1st Response: No Charge, Warning Letter
- 2nd Response: $75.00
- 3rd Response: $350.00
- 4th response and over: $675.00
Fees will be charged for:
- Alarms ringing due to construction dust and hot works
- Reoccurring mechanical problems: i.e. faulty heat detector or changes in water pressure
Fees will not be charged for:
- Pull box accidentally activated
- Alarm rings, building supervisor verifies it is a false alarm and immediately calls 911
- Fire extinguished by resident
Safety and education
Our Fire Prevention Bureau offers many different safety and education programs to help inform the community.
Community involvement
Learn about the many opportunities available for you to interact with staff in the community!
Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities
Visit Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities to learn how you can help support the team by donating, purchasing merchandise or attending events that support:
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District
- Diabetes Canada
- Lethbridge Family Services
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in an emergency medical or fire situation? Nominate them and their efforts to be a Community Hero! Please provide their name, a description of the incident and your name and contact information.
As part of Fire Prevention Week each fall, we partner with local schools to name a deserving student a Fire Chief for a Day! Each year, we encourage students to learn about the week’s theme and fire prevention lessons. The Fire Chief for the Day gets to take part in a cool firefighter experience, including fire training, lunch at the station and a snazzy new uniform.
Lethbridge Firefighters Pipes and Drums
Founded in 2008, the Lethbridge Firefighters Pipes and Drums is a pipe band dedicated to providing traditional bagpipe and drum music to the community.
LifeCare lockboxes
Lethbridge Fire and Emergency services partners with Chinook LifeCare to provide residential and commercial lockboxes that allow emergency responders easy access in the case of an emergency.
Fire Department Master Plan
View the Lethbridge Fire Department Master Plan for more information on our:
- Supportive plans and strategies
- Planning process
- Core business, programs and service levels (including mission statement and vision)
- Fire prevention and injury reduction
- Existing stations, staffing, current and future deployment models and options
- Fleet and equipment
- Implementation and recommendations
Fire station locations
Contact Us
City Hall
910 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6
Phone: 311
or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)