Lethbridge County issues fire ban

Posted on June 5, 2025 by admin

By Kristine Jean
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Hot, dry and windy conditions has elevated the wildfire risk in the region to extreme, resulting in Lethbridge County upgrading its fire advisory to a full fire ban, effective immediately. 

Under the fire ban, which was put in place on May 29, all burning is prohibited, including recreational campfires, burning barrels and incinerators, charcoal briquette barbecues, any other open flame (i.e. burn pits, yard waste burning) and fireworks. 

Heath Wright, Lethbridge County’s Director of Emergency Services, said they monitor moisture levels throughout the year and while there typically is more moisture in the spring and fall, conditions often become drier closer to summer. 

“We’re starting to reach those high winds and the high temperatures and the combination of those two created an environment of dry conditions,” said Wright, noting when issuing a fire ban they look at science data and collaborate with their provincial partners, wildfire experts and regional fire chiefs.

“The current wildfire situation we’re seeing across the prairie provinces is a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can impact entire communities. Wildfires don’t respect municipal boundaries—here in our region, they can move rapidly through dry grass, coulees and ditches, putting people, property and livestock at risk,” he said. “This Fire Ban is in place to protect not only Lethbridge County, but our neighbours as well. We’re asking everyone to take it seriously because we all share the responsibility of keeping our communities safe.”

Although certain things are prohibited under a fire ban, gas or propane heaters, stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified, wood pellet grills, and gas or propane firepits/rings that are CSA approved or UL certified, are still permitted. 

Lethbridge County evaluates several factors before issuing a fire ban, including weather forecasts, moisture levels in vegetation, fire spread models and consultation with regional fire departments and provincial wildfire officials. Although crops may be green, dry fuels in ditches and coulees pose a significant wildfire risk. Fines apply for burning during a fire ban. 

Wright said they are noticing more cigarettes being thrown out of vehicles and are asking citizens to properly dispose of them. 

“(There’s) a high alert that people need to realize and be cognizant of their actions,” said Wright, noting smoking materials should never be tossed into planters, ditches or dry grass, but people need to ensure they are fully extinguished and never discard outside a vehicle.

So far this year has seen an “average spring” comparable to last year, noted Wright, but added there is always the potential for fires, particularly in rural agricultural areas – that have equipment and machinery that can start a fire, including off-highway vehicles (OHVs). He recommends people to check for debris regularly and ensure mufflers and spark arrestors are in good condition.  

Residents can also take burnable yard debris to any transfer station at no charge – Coaldale, Nobleford, and Picture Butte accept smaller loads, while Iron Springs accepts larger loads. The Lethbridge Waste and Recycling Centre accepts yard waste for county residents. They can call (403) 328-5525 or visit the Lethbridge County office to obtain an access card for a small fee. 

Lethbridge County Emergency Services works with the province on additional fire safety measures, inlcuding fire smart initiatives, that includes reducing fuel loads and other things. 

“Whether that’s creating fire breaks around residences or farmland (where people) are worried about wildland fires coming in. We work with them, we also work with our Ag Services dept. and talk about fire smart initiatives and working with them as far as working with sprinkler companies,” he said, adding sprinklers can also protect residences, farm equipment and farm structures. “They could actually use it as a fire break if a wildland fire is coming – it’s going to dampen it so that the fire can’t spread into that area.” 

For more information or information on fire smart initiatives, visit the Lethbridge County’s website at http://www.lethcounty.ca