(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

be vigilant

Lacombe County fire ban back in effect after several large fires

Nov 3, 2025 | 4:47 PM

Lacombe County has upgraded to a complete Fire Ban once again.

They had recently downgraded to a fire advisory, but say that due to a lack of moisture, windy conditions, and several recent large fires, they’re forced to upgrade it again.

“The anticipated moisture we expected in late October never arrived,” Dave Bain, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services, said in a release. “Now it’s time for us to ensure the safety of our residents and put a ban on burning until further notice.”

Bains says all three of the large fires they’re recently responded to were outside fires which required mutual aid.

One saw crews respond at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 28 to a rural property on Range Road 275 where a large commercial hay operation caught on fire. In total, 20 fire units responded throughout the day to put it out, but were there until 1 a.m. the next morning.

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Bain says wind and dryness made it challenging to extinguish.

Effective immediately, a complete fire ban is in effect, and no fireworks permits will be issued.

• No burning barrels are permitted under this ban.

• Any outdoor fires, including campfires, presently burning within Lacombe County must be extinguished immediately.

• Gas/propane stoves, barbeques, and portable propane fire pits are permitted but must always be attended to.

• The ignition of all outdoor fires within the boundaries of Lacombe County is hereby prohibited.

This ban DOES NOT apply to:

• Fires which are contained within cooking and heating appliances, and which are fueled by fluids, gases, charcoal briquettes, or wood pellets.

• Propane-fueled fire pits.

Check your old burn piles

In addition, Lacombe County Fire Services encourages all landowners who had burn permits issued this fall to check their burn locations to ensure fires are fully extinguished.

“Please check those old piles today,” emphasized Bain. “While those fires may have appeared extinguished, deep ground fires can smoulder unseen for weeks or even months and strong winds and dry conditions create the perfect environment for these hidden embers to reignite.”

What You Can Do

• Inspect old burn sites now—especially if you burned in the last few weeks.

• Use a metal rod to probe deep into the pile. If it’s warm, it’s not out. • Soak any hot spots thoroughly with water, and spread the ash to cool it down.

• Never assume it’s out just because you don’t see smoke. Lacombe County and the Lacombe County Fire Services remind the public to use caution when:

• Operating Off-Road Vehicles or farm equipment, as hot exhaust pipes pose a fire hazard. • Disposing of cigarette butts, as they can easily light dried brush and grass

The county urges all residents and landowners to be vigilant, saying even a small spark in these conditions can lead to major consequences.

This fire ban will remain in place until conditions improve. For the latest updates on fire advisories, restrictions, or bans:

• Visit www.albertafirebans.ca

• Or check www.lacombecounty.com for local updates.