Burning Permits

BURNING PERMITS
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	FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW

	Other than a campfire, any person lighting an open fire for burning debris or any other purpose must have a valid fire permit. Permits may be obtained from your local fire guardian or municipal authorities. Fire permits are free. Usually issued for a specific period of time, they may be cancelled before expiry date if the fire danger makes such action necessary.

	WHEN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

	Fire permits are required during the "Fire Season" which starts April 1st and ends each October 31st. There are, however, provisions for the "Fire Season" to be reduced or extended in duration if the risk or danger of forest fires exist. Any changes to the normal Fire Season will be announced in the news media.

	REGULATIONS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW

	A fire permit is a legal document which conditionally authorizes a person to burn wood debris at a time specified on the permit. By obtaining a fire permit you have simply indicated your wish to burn. The responsibility for conducting a safe burn is yours. Anyone who sets a fire under the authority of a permit must: Keep the permit at the fire Produce and show the permit to an officer upon request Keep the fire under control; and Extinguish the fire before expiration or upon cancellation of the permit, or obtain a renewal.

	FIRE CONTROL

	Before lighting any fire, a permit holder must take precautions to ensure that the fire is kept under control at all times. Fires must not be lit when weather conditions are conductive to fires escaping or getting out of control. Contact your nearest fire guardian for specific advice. No one may deposit, discard, or leave any burning material in a place where it may ignite and result in a fire.

	YOU CAN CAN CUT DOWN YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING A FIRE ESCAPE..... if you double check these easy precautions

	Be sure your fire guards are wide enough and clear so a fire cannot cross over. Be alert for spot fires started by sparks from your fire. Large fires can carry sparks over a considerable distance. Have your tools ready at the fire site and enough portable water depending on the size of your fire. Even for a small single pile you should have a shovel and water. If you have many brush piles, light only as much as you can keep under control. Check to see if any neighbours will be available in case you need extra help and equipment. Don't start to burn under windy, gusty conditions. Whenever possible, plan your burn for later in the day (after 6:00 p.m.). You still get good burning time, but should anything go wrong, the cooler evening and night will aid you in regaining control. When your burn is completed, speed up final extinguishing by dispersing any smoldering ash or accumulation of burned debris. Fires can remain dormant in large piles for long periods and usually surface when fire hazard conditions are extreme. Persistent hot spots, left to burn out, must be well guarded. When the weather gets dry, any holdover fire must be put out. Continue to check completed burning projects to be sure no holdover fires are present.
	For additional information please contact: LEDUC COUNTY FIRE SERVICES 780-955-7099 http://alberta.firebans.com for information on Fire Bans.