Fire Bans

Current Fire Ban Status

River Valley fire ban in effect - no open fires in the river valley during the ban

June 26, 2025

Effective immediately and until further notice, a fire ban is in place on all open fires within the City of Lethbridge’s River Valley.

Current weather conditions, including warmer temperatures and low humidity, significantly elevate the fire risk in the River Valley.

Residents are advised to exercise extra caution, particularly when disposing of smoking materials, as they can easily ignite dry vegetation and cause uncontrolled fires.

Stay informed

To receive updates when a fire ban is issued or lifted:

Subscribe to AlbertaFireBans.ca for alert notifications specific to the City of Lethbridge.
Subscribe to City of Lethbridge Public Service Announcements to receive all City alerts, including fire bans.

About Lethbridge fire bans

The Chief Fire Marshal may issue fire bans when hot, dry or windy conditions create a high wildfire risk.

There are two types of fire bans in Lethbridge:

River Valley Fire Ban - applies only to the River Valley and surrounding coulees.
City-wide Fire Ban - applies to the entire city, including all neighbourhoods and the River Valley.

Fire ban restrictions overview

River Valley Fire Ban

A River Valley Fire ban prohibits all open fires in the River Valley - including City-owned land, campgrounds and private property. This includes campfires, fire pits, charcoal BBQs and other outdoor burning in the River Valley.

During a River Valley fire ban, fire permits may be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued. Backyard fire pits in residential areas remain permitted as long as they comply with the Open Burning Bylaw.

Activity	Restriction level
Fire permits	May be restricted or suspended
Solid fuel campfires anywhere in the River Valley	❌ Not allowed
Propane/natural gas powered appliances	✅ Allowed
Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits in residential areas	✅ Allowed
Indoor wood fire	✅ Allowed

City-wide Fire Ban

A city-wide fire ban prohibits wood campfires on City land, campgrounds and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.

Activity	Restriction level
Fire permits	❌ Suspended
Safe wood campfires in a designated campground	❌ Not allowed
Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits	❌ Not allowed
Barbeque – Charcoal briquette	❌ Not allowed
Propane/natural gas powered appliances	✅ Allowed
Indoor wood fire	✅ Allowed
Open flame oil devices	✅ Allowed

Backyard fire pit safety

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 .

Fire bans in surrounding areas

Before starting an outdoor fire, always check this page or visit Alberta Fire Bans for current alerts and more information about fire bans in surrounding areas around Lethbridge.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Lethbridge fire bans, please contact us by email at fireprevention@lethbridge.ca or by phone at 403-320-3811.

Activity

Restriction level

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