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Fire Bans

Current Fire Ban Status

July 8, 2024
River valley fire ban in effect

Effective immediately and until further notice, a fire ban is in place on all open fires in the Lethbridge’s river valley.

Update: August 15, 2024 
The City of Lethbridge’s River Valley fire ban remains in effect. 

The City of Lethbridge’s River Valley fire ban remains in effect. The fire ban prohibits wood campfires on City land, campgrounds and private land located within the River Valley. 

Bonfire activity has been observed in the River Valley, in addition to vandalism to the fire ban signage that has been placed throughout the area. These actions are dangerous and pose a risk to the public and our natural areas. 

The wildfire danger in Lethbridge remains very high. Ongoing heat and low humidity have created conditions that fuel high-intensity fire behaviour. 

Residents are reminded the ban does not apply to backyard fires. Currently, residents are permitted to have fires in backyard fire pits using clean, dry firewood. 

Additionally, residents are reminded of the dangers posed by discarded smoking materials. Avoid disposing of smoking materials into dry vegetation, such as planters and ditches or throwing lit smoking materials out of vehicle windows. Always use proper containers and ensure smoking materials are completely extinguished to prevent accidental fires. 

It is critical to respond promptly to any new wildfire starts. Early detection allows firefighters to respond quickly and initiate suppression efforts. If you spot a wildfire, please report it immediately by calling 911. 

About Lethbridge fire bans

Fire bans are implemented by the chief fire marshal to prevent community fires. They temporarily ban backyard fire pits when conditions are hot and dry.

Residents are permitted to have a fire in a backyard fire pit when there is no fire ban in effect, as per our Open Burning Bylaw. Please continue to take precautions when having a backyard fire when no ban is implemented by using clean, dry firewood and ensuring that your fire is completely out before leaving.

Fire Prevention Levels

A fire advisory is an indication that the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in designated areas, campgrounds and backyards.

Activity

Restriction Level

Fire Permits May be restricted or suspended
Safe wood campfires in a designated campground

Allowed

Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits Allowed
Barbeque – Charcoal briquette Allowed
Propane/natural gas powered appliances Allowed
Indoor wood fire Allowed
Open flame oil devices Allowed

A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires in designate City areas but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

Activity

Restriction Level

Fire permits Restricted or suspended
Safe wood campfires in a designated campground Allowed
Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits Allowed
Barbeque – Charcoal briquette Allowed
Propane/natural gas powered appliances Allowed
Indoor wood fire Allowed
Open flame oil devices Allowed

A 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

Fire bans in surrounding areas

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.

 

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