The fire restriction has been lifted for Lethbridge County, as of June 15, 2023. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Fire restriction lifted for Lethbridge County

Jun 15, 2023 | 12:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge County has lifted its fire restriction, thanks to cooler temperatures and precipitation this week.

The restriction was first announced on May 1, 2023, due to dry and warm conditions in the county.

READ MORE: Fire restriction issued for Lethbridge County

Lethbridge County’s Fire Services department has been monitoring fire conditions this spring and have determined that conditions have changed enough to lift the restriction.

Fire Services Manager, Byron Fraser said in a news release, “After receiving some much-needed rain, we feel that the risk has decreased to a point where we can allow responsible burning.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Fraser added, “We want to remind the public to use caution, apply for a fire permit when required, and always follow the conditions of the permit to prevent a controlled burn from becoming a wildfire.”

Fire permits are required for most burning activities in Lethbridge County. They are free and can be applied for online, on the Lethbridge County mobile app, or in-person at the Lethbridge administration office, located at 905 4 Avenue South.

Fire permit holders can burn the following items:

• Paper products
• Untreated wood (wood or wood products that do not contain preservatives)
• Yard waste (grass/tree clippings, leaves, branches, fallen trees, brush, weeds, etc.)
• Straw and stubble

Items that cannot be burned at any time, even with a fire permit:

• Wood or wood products that contain preservatives
• Plastic (including silage plastic, grain bags, and baler twine, but these can be recycled at the Iron Springs Transfer Station)
• Rubber (including tires)
• Animal manure or cadavers
• Waste material from construction sites (only untreated wood is permitted)
• Pathological waste
• Containers that have held chemicals or pesticides
• Oil

Residents unsure if they require a fire permit can call 403-328-5525 or visit the Lethbridge County website. Officials noted that should conditions change, a fire advisory, restriction or ban could be issued.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.