Lacombe County officially moved to a fire restriction at noon on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, due to exceptionally dry and windy weather conditions. The change replaces a fire advisory that had been in place since May 1, 2026, and reflects the heightened risk of wildfires in the region.
According to Lacombe County, the decision to elevate the fire status was driven by a lack of spring rain and the absence of any expected precipitation in the forecast. Under the current restriction, all existing fire permits are cancelled, and the county has suspended the issuance of any new permits until further notice.
While most burning is prohibited, including open burning, brush piles, and fireworks, residents may still have recreational campfires. These fires are only allowed if they are contained within metal, brick, or rock fire rings. Additionally, the fire must have at least 3.3 metres of clearance from buildings, property lines and combustible materials, must be attended by a person at all times, and adequate water must be available on site until it is completely extinguished.
Officials warn that conditions could deteriorate further, which may result in a complete fire ban being issued at any time without notice. Residents are encouraged to monitor official fire alerts for the latest updates on the status of fire regulations within the county.
