UPDATE: (June 15, 2023)
LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge County has lifted the fire restriction, effective June 15, 2023.
READ MORE: Fire restriction lifted for Lethbridge County
ORIGINAL STORY: (MAY 1, 2023)
LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – A fire restriction has been issued by Lethbridge County.
Officials noted that it is due to warm and dry conditions in the county, which are forecasted to continue. Under the fire restriction, all active fire and fireworks permits are cancelled. No new permits will be issued while the restriction is in place.
Lethbridge County said fines apply for burning while a restriction is in place.
Recreational campfires (campground and backyard fire pits), as well as acceptable incinerators that meet the specifications of the County’s Fire Bylaw #22-002 are permitted.
The restriction has been put in place to help prevent wildfires. Byron Fraser, Lethbridge County Fire Services Manager said, “As we have seen in other parts of the province this week, the wildfire risk is elevated and conditions are right for them to quickly spread.”
“It is essential that the public adhere to the fire restriction we have issued to reduce the risk of damaging wildfires in the County.”
Officials are advising residents to make sure they have an emergency kit for their household in case of a wildfire. It should include essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, and any important documents. More on building a kit is available online.
Lethbridge County stated that if conditions do not improve, the fire restriction might become a fire ban. The status of fire restrictions and bans is available at the Lethbridge County website.
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