Prairie Post (West Edition)

Fire ban lifted in Lethbridge County, fire advisory now in effect

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Due to the cooler temperatur­es and precipitat­ion currently occurring and forecasted to continue this week, the Fire Ban in Lethbridge County has been lifted and a

Fire Advisory is now in effect until further notice.

Under the Fire Advisory, burning is permitted but caution is urged while doing so as there is still a higher risk of fire spread due to the lack of precipitat­ion and warmer temperatur­es we have seen over the past few months.

Fire Permits are again being issued and applicatio­ns can be made on the County’s website at https://lethcounty.ca/p/firepermit­s or on the Lethbridge County app.

A permit is required to burn and failing to obtain one will result in fines under Lethbridge County’s Fire Permit Bylaw. When burning, you are responsibl­e to monitor your fire continuous­ly and extinguish it immediatel­y should wind speeds exceed 15 kilometres per hour. Do not hesitate to call 911 should your fire become uncontroll­able.

Despite the improved conditions, citizens and businesses are asked to use an abundance of caution when burning.

“It is encouragin­g to see some muchneeded precipitat­ion after the dry spring we have been experienci­ng so far,” says Reeve Lorne Hickey.

“However, I ask everyone to remain vigilant and ensure you are burning responsibl­y. Get a fire permit, ensure you have enough water on hand to extinguish your fire, and do not burn when the wind is blowing.”

“Lethbridge County will remain under a Fire Advisory until conditions improve and the risk of fire spread has lessened,” says

CAO Ann Mitchell. “It’s critical that burning is done in a responsibl­e manner and with a permit.

By following the guidelines of your fire permit, you can avoid sparking a dangerous grassfire that could quickly spread onto neighbouri­ng properties and throughout the County.”

If weather conditions change and further increase the risk of fire spread, the County may impose a Fire Ban at any time. If a Fire Ban is issued, you must immediatel­y and fully extinguish your fire.

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