(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

As of 2 p.m. today

Fire restriction in effect for Red Deer County

Apr 28, 2025 | 4:43 PM

Red Deer County implemented a fire restriction as of 2 p.m. this afternoon.

As a result, all outdoor fires currently burning within the county, set with or without permission will remain valid for the duration of the permit.

However, all new outdoor fires within the county are prohibited and no new fire permits will be issued.

The ban does not apply to fires within cooking and heating appliances fueled by fluids, gases, or wood pellets. It does not apply to fires contained within industrial facilities for operational purposes.

The ban also does not include acceptable residential fire pits, enclosed incinerators, approved gas/propane fueled fire pits, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.

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Safe acceptable residential fire pits:

• A minimum of 3 metre clearance measured from the nearest fireplace edge to the nearest edge of buildings, property lines, or other combustible material;
• Constructed of materials such as bricks or rocks that are non-combustible;
• The base of the fire burning area is not less than 0.3 metres above the surrounding grade; and
• The fire chamber does not exceed 1.25 meters in width, and is at least 0.4 metres but not more than 0.6 metres in depth.
• Equipped with a mesh screen with openings no larger than 12.5 mm

The County says any person found violating the ban may be held liable for any damages and costs associated with extinguishing the fire and full prosecution with penalties, in accordance with Red Deer County Fire Services Bylaw 2012/14 and/or the Forest Prairie Protection Act RSA.