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1. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?

Because of our rural area, 911 dispatch will, in many cases depending on the situation, dispatch the area fire department to provide extra assistance. Our volunteer fire fighters are trained as First Responders.

Fire Department

2. Do I need a burn / fire permit?

Fire permits are mandatory all year round, including in the winter months. Fire Permits can now be accessed online. See the Burn Permits page for more information.

Burning Information

3. Is there a fee for a burn permit?

No!

Burn Permits

4. Who issues the burn permits?

Fire Guardians issue the permits. A Fire Guardian is any Fire Chief from within the County of the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Burn Permits

5. is there a penalty if I don't get a burn permit?

Yes.

1st Offense: $500

2nd Offense: $750

3rd Offense: $1000

Burn Permits

6. Do I need a permit for my burning barrel?

No, a permit is not required for:

a) an incinerator fire, either domestic or any commercial or industrial type incinerator that is required to be licensed under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act

b) a fire that is set for the purpose of cooking or obtaining warmth

c) a smudge fire that is set for the purpose of protecting livestock from insects

d) fires set for the purpose of training firefighters

e) controlled burns conducted by the County

However, please be aware that burning barrels are not permitted in Hamlets.

7. Why do I need a burn permit? I have never needed one before.

In the interest of public safety and the preservation of valuable property and resources, the Council of Kneehill County adopted a Fire Protection and Emergency Services Bylaw on August 19th, 2003. Requirements for burn permits came into place at that time.

Burn Permits

8. How do I know if there is a fire ban in effect?

Kneehill County will publish any fire bans that come into effect on both the County website and Facebook page.

In addition, you may also visit the Alberta Fire Ban Website.

Burn Permits

9. What is prohibited to burn?

Under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act, there is a list of debris that is prohibited to burn.

It is prohibited to burn any flammable waste that when burned may release dense smoke, offensive odors, or toxic substances, which includes:

• animal manure,
• pathological waste,
• non-wooden materials,
• waste material from building or construction sites, excluding wooden materials that do not contain preservatives,
• combustible materials in automobile bodies,
• tires,
• rubber or plastic, or anything with rubber or plastic attached to scrap steel,
• solid waste from sawmills with an annual production in excess of 6324 cubic meters of lumber,
• used oil,
• wood of wood products containing substances for the purpose of preserving wood