Fire Advisory
Sturgeon County FIRE ADVISORY in effect. Permits will not be issued until further notice. Existing permits are hereby revoked.
Use of "Approved Fire Pits" for fires that are lit for recreation, cooking and warming purposes are still permitted throughout the County.
"Approved Fire Pits" means a barbecue or fire pit that is a minimum of three (3) metres from buildings, property lines and combustible materials. Constructed of bricks, cement blocks, heavy gauge metal or suitable non-combustible components. It must have a spark arrestor mesh screen that is no larger than thirteen (13) millimetres expanded metal (or equivalent) to contain sparks over the fire at all times.
Please monitor any extinguished fires permitted earlier this year in case of hold over fire that could reignite due to dry conditions.
Sturgeon County urges everyone to use extreme caution when working or driving in grassy areas, be mindful of hot exhaust and keep vehicles clean and free of debris as smouldering debris can fall off and start fires.
Fire Permit Season April 1 - Oct 31
Fire Permit Season begins Monday, April 1, 2013.
All open fires and burning barrels, with the exception of campfires used for warming or cooking purposes, require a fire permit April 1 to October 31, 2013.
Responsible burning involves more than just applying for a fire permit. It’s important to know what is acceptable to burn and what is not; and to ensure the fire is under control at all times.
What you can burn…
“Burnable Debris” means all inflammable waste other than prohibited debris and includes but is not limited to:
- Straw and stubble
- Grass and weeds, leaves and tree pruning’s
- Wooden materials, which do not contain wood preservatives, from construction or demolition of buildings.
What you can’t burn…
“Prohibited Debris” means any inflammable waste that when burned, may result in the release of toxic substances atmosphere and includes but is not limited to:
- Animal carcass and manure
- Non-wooden material
- Waste material from building or construction sites
- Wood products containing substances for the purpose of preserving wood
- Combustible material
- Tires
- Rubber or plastic
- Used oil
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Failure to obtain a fire permit or to follow permit conditions may result in a fine being issued. Also, the land owner/occupant may be responsible to pay the associated costs of Emergency Services should they respond.
Things to remember before you burn:
- You must obtain a fire permit and adhere to all of its conditions.
- Take precautions to ensure the fire is under control at all times.
- You are responsible for conducting a fire that is safe.
- You must attend your fire at all times.
- Your fire must be out completely by the time your permit expires.
- Fire permits may be withdrawn if environmental conditions change.
- Fire permits will not be issued when a County-wide fire ban is in effect.
If you are interested in obtaining free Fire Smart hazard assessment booklets for your home and property, please contact Sturgeon County Protective Services at 780-939-0624.
Fireworks Permit
If you plan on celebrating on any of the upcoming long weekends with an amateur fireworks display, you require a permit. You can apply on-line for your permit or by obtaining a permit from an approved low hazard fireworks vendor in Sturgeon County. Please contact Sturgeon County Emergency Services, 780-939-0624 for information on the All Class Fireworks Bylaw and necessary permits.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
• Get your permit;
• Don’t let children play with fireworks;
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction;
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby;
• Light one firework at a time;
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
Vendors wishing to sell low hazard fireworks can contact Sturgeon County Fire Chief/Manager of Protective Services, Pat Mahoney at 780-939-0600 to obtain required information on becoming an approved vendor.
Firefighter Recruitment
Do you want to become a firefighter? Sturgeon County Emergency Services is recruiting!
We are looking for individuals who are positive, team oriented and enjoy physically demanding work.
If this sounds like you and you can commit to three hours of weekly training, and a minimum of one Saturday per month, please contact Sturgeon County Fire Chief, Pat Mahoney for more information at 780-939-0600 or pmahoney@sturgeoncounty.ca.
Interested candidates should be 18 years of age or older, although those aged 16 and 17 may be considered depending on personal suitability.
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. All personal safety equipment provided.
There is a great need for volunteers in the Redwater area.
What We Offer:
• The opportunity for you to contribute to the safety of your community.
• Professional NFPA 1001 certified firefighting education valued at $12,000 which is transferable anywhere in North America.
• Additional benefits such as, WCB and life insurance coverage.
