By Lacombe County

Have you got yours?

Fire Permit season begins March 1 in Lacombe County

Feb 26, 2021 | 12:25 PM

Lacombe County reminds ratepayers that fire permit season starts on March 1, 2021. Burning without a fire permit can result in a hefty fine.

Ratepayers can submit their fire permits 24/7 online through the Lacombe County website (www.lacombecounty.com) or through the my Lacombe County app (iPhone users only). They can also request permits in person at the Lacombe County Office or by calling 403-782-8959 during business hours.

“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 intent of fire permit requirements is simply to ensure the safety of Lacombe County residents and their neighbours.”

In recent years, spring has brought drier conditions very quickly, resulting in fire bans. Under Lacombe County’s Fire Protection Policy, anyone found burning without a permit will be required to pay for the fire department response fees. A flat rate of $300 will be charged for responses not requiring fire suppression where a person is in contravention of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act for failure to have a fire permit or any other provision of the Act.

Remember to check your winter burn piles It’s important to burn safely throughout the year – whether it’s permit season or not. Many producers brush lands and burn the brush during the winter months. It is crucial to check these piles, as they can smolder for many months and be rekindled by wind. Combine this with potentially dry spring conditions and the resulting fires can be disastrous.

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“Residents are encouraged to check on any controlled burns performed outside of permit season, as larger burns can smoulder through the winter and reignite as it warms up,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief. “By obeying with the fire permit process and using safe burning practices, Lacombe County residents can help us keep our County safe throughout the season.”

Fires that are started by rekindled brush piles are the property owner’s responsibility and they can also be charged for the fire response. Should a Fire Department respond to a fire for which a permit has not been issued, or if a permit has been issued and the permit holder contravenes any of the conditions of the permit, the property owner will be assessed costs at the following rates:

• fire truck – $500 per hour

• water truck – $300 per hour

• rapid response unit/mini pumper – $300 per hour

• equipment van – $300 per hour

• equipment other than fire apparatus – Lacombe County cost

• personnel other than fire department members – Lacombe County cost