Lacombe County Fire Services is urging residents in Lacombe County, Alberta, to check that all winter burn piles are fully extinguished to prevent accidental grass fires. This safety warning was issued on February 5, 2026, as warmer weather and dry winds create a risk of buried embers reigniting.
Fire Chief Drayton Bussiere noted that large piles of brush or debris can smoulder deep underground for months. As the snow melts and the ground dries, these hidden fires can resurface and quickly spread through dead grass.
Residents can find more information on local burning rules through Lacombe County Fire Services, especially as the official permit season begins on March 1. Property owners should know they are legally and financially responsible for any fire that escapes their control, regardless of whether a permit was active at the time.
Under the Lacombe County fire bylaw and related county communications, the municipality reserves the right to invoice residents for the cost of fire department responses to fires that are not properly managed. To prevent this, officials suggest testing old burn sites by sticking a metal rod into the center of a pile; if the rod feels warm after a few minutes, the pile still needs to be soaked with water and stirred (turning the debris) until cool.
With the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard showing increased fire risks in parts of the province, including Central Alberta, experts say it is vital to stay alert. Previous reports from Central Alberta Online show that dry conditions early in the year can lead to an aggressive start to the wildfire season.
