The Lloydminster Fire Department is reminding residents about campfire safety.
Deputy Fire Chief Jordan Newton said there have been recent cases of people lighting fires in non-designated areas, causing unnecessary risk to people and property. Newton says that fires must be contained within designated burning pits, and you must always have an extinguisher nearby.
Newton says that pits must be at least 3 meters from buildings or property lines, cannot be more than 1 meter wide, that the pit needs to be enclosed on all sides by bricks or concrete, and that a mesh screen must cover the pit to reduce the hazard of airborne sparks.
Newton also says that clean wood, prefabricated burning logs, or fuel designated for home barbecue use are the only things allowed to be burned in fire pits.
Bud Miller and Weaver Park have fire pits for public use, and backyard pits are fine as long as they adhere to regulations.
Newton also asks residents to practice basic fire prevention measures in their daily routines, particularly when disposing of cigarette butts.
For a list of Alberta fire bans, visit: https://albertafirebans.ca/
For a list of Saskatchewan fire bans, visit: http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/fire
Anyone who spots an uncontrolled fire should call 9-1-1 immediately. Questions concerning Lloydminster’s fire safety bylaws can be directed to the Public Safety Office, at 780-874-3710.