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Lacombe County fire permit season begins March 1

Feb 26, 2018 | 5:41 AM

As it did in 2017, Lacombe County’s fire permit season will start a month earlier on March 1, coinciding with changes made by the provincial government. 

Under Lacombe County’s Fire Protection Policy, anyone found burning without a permit will be required to pay for the fire department response fees.

Burning without a fire permit can result in a hefty fine, a flat rate of $300 will be charged for responses to a fire when a person is in contravention of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act.

“In response to changing conditions in our environment, often resulting in drier spring conditions, the provincial government has moved up Fire Permit season by a month,” explained Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief. 
“It’s about public safety and burning responsibly,” said Bussiere. “Fire permits are free of charge and easy to obtain, yet we continue to have situations where people don’t take out a permit and can be charged under the bylaw.”

The past several years have also seen many producers brush lands and burn the brush during the winter months.

It is very important to remember to check these piles as they can smolder for many months, and can be rekindled by wind.

Combine this with dry spring conditions and the resulting fires can be disastrous. 

Fires that are started by rekindled brush piles are your responsibility and you can also be charged for the fire response.

Beginning on March 1, online fire permits can be submitted from the Lacombe County website homepage www.lacombecounty.com  

People are also able to request permits in person at the Lacombe County Office, or by calling 403-782-8959. 

(Gary McKinnon)