{slide=Do I need a permit to burn within the municipality?}

Yes, a fire burning permit is required under Kneehill County Bylaw. These are issued free of charge by any authorized fire guardian. Burning barrels, BBQ’s, campfire pits and camping appliances do not require a fire permit. (if fire or emergency services respond to a fire or controlled burn where there is no valid fire permit, response costs would be billed at $400 per hour, per responding unit and a fine may also be issued for burning without a valid fire permit)

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{slide=Do I need a permit for Fireworks display in the County?}

Yes, a fireworks permit is required to purchase, transport, possess or display fireworks anywhere in Alberta under the Alberta Fire Code. Fireworks are also regulated by the Federal Explosives Division and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. (permits cost $10 to $25)

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{slide=How do I know when there is a fire ban on for the County?}

When the County places a fire ban in effect, all fire guardians are notified and it is posted in the local newspaper and posted at Kneehill County campgrounds. You can check for fire ban information online at: www.alberta.firebans.com or by telephone at Alberta Fire Ban: 1-866-394-3473 (1-866-FYI-FIRE). For Provincial Parks fire ban information call: 1-866-427-3582.

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{slide=When do fire permits start & end?}

Fire burning permits are required seasonally by Bylaw; from April 1st to October 31st annually. A Fire Ban may occur at any time & automatically cancels all existing fire permits.

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{slide=When fire bans end who do I contact to do a burn?}

Kneehill County is divided into 7 fire districts for issuing of fire permits. You should contact the local fire department first and request permission to conduct a controlled burn. Any authorized fire guardian can issue a permit for controlled burning.

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{slide=What is a Fire Guardian?}

Fire Guardians are appointed by the Kneehill Council annually with authority to issue or restrict controlled burning and fire permits within Kneehill County. There are fire guardians located at Carbon Fire Department, Acme Fire Department, Linden Fire Department, Torrington Fire Department, Three Hills Fire Department, Trochu Fire Department and Kneehill County. The Chief Elected Official, CAO and every Councillor, by virtue of their offices are also fire guardians:

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{slide=How do I report an environmental emergency or complaint?}

For an environmental emergency/complaint or spill, call the Alberta Spill Line at 1-800-222-6514. For Dangerous Goods, call Alberta Transportation at 1-800-272-9600. 8. Who do I call in an emergency situation? For fire, ambulance or police, immediately call 9-1-1 anywhere in Kneehill County. Other regional emergencies or large scale local disasters information should be called in to 1-866-618-2362 at the Alberta Emergency Management Agency 24/7 Readiness Response Center.

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