Central Alberta county brings in fire restrictions due to dry, windy forecast

Lacombe County council set aside some cash for the future as they approved the transfer of $2.5 million in surplus to various reserve accounts. The resolution was passed at the Apr. 23 regular meeting of council. Submitted

A central Alberta county is bringing in fire restrictions because of dry, windy conditions in the area.

Lacombe County issued the restrictions on Tuesday afternoon. It said in a media release that the dry conditions and “lack of foreseeable precipitation” has led it to restrict or ban current fire permits and to stop issuing new ones. The new restrictions will begin at noon on Wednesday.

Fireworks, fires on public lands, including random camping and backcountry areas, and the burning of brush piles, debris and windrows are not allowed in the county, which takes up 2,759 square kilometres of land north of Red Deer.

Recreational fires, the use of propane fire pits, gas/propane stoves and barbecues and catalytic or infra-red heaters are still permitted under the restriction.

Lacombe County is about 105 kilometres south of the Edmonton city limit.