FIRE RESTRICTION
In accordance with Athabasca County Fire Services Bylaw 015-2023 section 8, the previous fire ban has been lifted and is replaced by a fire restriction for lands within Athabasca County located outside the Forest Protection Area.
Under this Restriction:
- The issuance of new fire permits is prohibited.
- All existing open burning permits are suspended.
- The previous OHV ban has been lifted.
For greater clarity, the following burning methods are allowed during a fire restriction::
- Fires which are contained in Bylaw compliant Fire Pits. Information on Bylaw compliant fire pits can be found below.
- Fires that are contained in Bylaw compliant Burn Barrels with valid permits.
While conditions have improved, the threat of wildfire is not completely gone. Athabasca County will continue to reassess the risk and may elevate back to a Ban should conditions warrant.
Additionally, all residents and visitors are reminded that under Athabasca County Fire Services Bylaw 015-2023, the use of Fireworks and Exploding Targets is prohibited on public lands year-round.
This Fire Control Order comes into effect at 2 o’clock p.m. on the 22nd day of May 2025 and will remain in effect until amended or revoked by the proper authority of Athabasca County.
“Burn Barrel” means a contained fire designed for the controlled incineration of household refuse, with the exception of Prohibited Debris, in a container that meets the following design criteria:
- a. is a non-combustible barrel or container;
- b. has a six millimeter or smaller metal screen to reduce the risk of flying sparks and debris,
- c. is positioned on exposed mineral soil,
- d. a minimum of three meters clearance of combustible material, and
- e. is positioned at least 30 meters away from all structures and trees.
“Fire Pit” means a permanently affixed outdoor fire receptacle that:
- a. is constructed of non-combustible material;
- b. has an open flame area that does not exceed 1 meter at its widest point;
- c. has walls which are a minimum of 0.60 meters in height measured from the floor of the Fire Pit to the top of the wall of the Fire Pit excluding any chimney;
- d. is set upon or built into the bare ground or a non-combustible material such as brick or stone;
- e. is situated at least 3 meters from any house, garage or similar Structure including wooden decks, porches, and similar amenity space attached to a Structure measured from the part of the Fire Pit which is closest to the Structure or amenity space;
- f. is situated at least 3 meters from any other combustible material measured from the part of the Fire Pit which is closest to the combustible material;
- g. is not located directly under any tree, overhanging branches, or aboveground utility wires, or over any underground utilities; and
- h. has a non-combustible mesh screen covering with openings no greater than 1.25 centimeters across. Any fire pit not meeting the design requirements as noted above shall require a fire permit.
Under this fire restriction, permits for non-conforming fire pits shall not be issued.
