Each October, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services recognizes Fire Prevention Week. This is a time to promote an annual theme that helps educate residents on fire safety. 

The 2025 campaign, “Charge into fire safety,” focuses on three important steps:

1. Buy certified products  - anything that uses a lithium-ion battery needs to have Canadian safety marks such as CSA, ULC or ETL.  
2. Charge devices safely - always use the charging cord and power supply that came with the product. Charge on hard, non-combustible surface - never on beds, couches or under pillows. Unplug devices once fully charged. 
3. Recycle batteries responsibly - never put lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or blue bin, as they can start fires. Take used batteries and devices to approved recycling locations. 

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, from phones and laptops to e-bikes, power tools and toys. While convenient, they can also pose a serious fire risk if not handled properly. By following these simple steps, residents can reduce the risk of dangerous battery fires and help keep our community safe. 

LFES will be in the community during Fire Prevention Week to share more information: 

• Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  
• Park Place Mall, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), October 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The outreach events will offer information on fire safety, batteries and smoke alarms and a chance to win a draw for a fire extinguisher. Residents can also connect with Fire Prevention Officers, ask questions and learn more about protecting their homes.  

Residents are reminded that working smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family from a fire. 

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. 
2. Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are in good working condition.
3. 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.

Every second counts when a fire breaks out, and the early warning provided by working smoke alarms can be lifesaving. Residents are encouraged to take action to make sure their smoke alarms work for them! 

Backyard fire pits in residential areas are allowed unless a city-wide fire ban is in effect.

Backyard fire pits must comply with all requirements outlined in the Open Burning Bylaw, including proper construction, fuel type (clean, dry firewood only), supervision and safe extinguishment. Review the Backyard Fire Safety & Open Burning Rules brochure. 

Help keep Lethbridge safe from fire incidents with our Fire Safety First brochure. This informative guide provides practical tips for everyone, focusing on minimizing fire risks, reducing hazards and performing regular safety checks. By following these essential fire safety practices, we can create a safer community together. 

The Lethbridge Fire Prevention Bureau has partnered with Community Safety Net to present Fire Safety - Smart choices for LIFE, a family resource to educate and protect our youth. This initiative provides young people in our community with effective tools for preventing and reacting to fires. In addition, it offers parents practical ideas on keeping their home and children fire-safe.

The Fire Prevention Bureau has changed their process for booking Fire Extinguisher Training. Please fill out the request form below and a Fire Prevention Officer will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need to recharge or dispose of a fire extinguisher, please contact:

• Fire Safety Services
• Kost Fire and Safety

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) welcomes schools, community groups and support organizations to visit our working fire stations. 

These tours are designed to:

• Show how firefighters work and train every day. 
• Explain firefighter tools, trucks and safety gear.
• Teach simple, life-saving fire-safety tips your group can practice at home or at work. 

Please note - our focus is public education; we do not host private celebrations or birthday parties. 

Booking at a glance

School Fire Drills are carried out every year in September and October by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services operation crews may visit  some homes to check smoke alarms, free of charge, and make sure they are working effectively.

Smoke alarm facts:

• It is recommended that smoke detectors are changed every 10 years
• Smoke detectors have an expiry date and may stop working once this date is reached
• If intermittent beeping is occurring, the smoke detector may need new batteries

If you would like your smoke alarms checked, please fill out this form.

If you have any questions, contact the fire prevention bureau, 403-320-3811 or fireprevention@lethbridge.ca

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services can provide a variety of educational sessions customized to different groups including: 

• School presentations (pre-K to grade 12)
• Sparky program (3-6 years old)
• Fire Safety Talk (one-on-one for parents concerned with children playing with fire) 

Additional presentations can be arranged by filling out the Public Education Event Request Form.