Household Wildfire Emergency Preparedness

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services would like to remind residents that household emergency preparedness also includes fire prevention outside of your home.

With recent wildfire events in the province and ongoing dry conditions in southern Alberta, multiple fire restrictions and bans have been issued in the area. This includes the fire advisory for the River Valley in Lethbridge.

As wildfires can breach city limits through airborne embers and ash, it’s important to assess residential properties for potential hazards that could ignite a fire. Improperly disposed smoking materials, residential barbecues and fire pits can also cause an out-of-control fire in a matter of seconds when conditions are dry.

A FireSmart home starts with identifying potential fire fuel that may be around your home or a vacant property. Items to consider include:
- Trees and other foliage;
- Firewood piles;
- Fences and wooden structures;
- Decorative plants, dried grass, leaves, or tree needles.

These items should be kept tidied and at a safe distance from your house. Gutters and eavestroughs should be cleaned out regularly to prevent potential ignition.

For more information on FireSmart homes visit Lethbridge Fire Prevention or FireSmartCanada.ca

Lethbridge Fire & EMS are asking residents to be responsible this summer and take action to prevent future wildfires around the city and region.