Open fires

Open fires (grass/yard/brush) and burn barrels require a burn permit and are only allowed in the rural area. 

Recreational fires

Recreational fires such as fire pots, pits and chimineas and smudges (for the purpose of protecting livestock) do not require a fire permit.

• Recreational fires must be totally confined in a non-combustible structure or container that has a draft and smoke vents covered with a heavy gauge metal screen with mesh size no larger than 13 mm.
• The fire pit needs to be a minimum of three metres away from any combustible.

Make sure the fire is out

Fully extinguish a fire by soaking it with water, stirring it and soaking it again. If it’s warm, it isn’t extinguished. If it was a large burn pile, check it again in a couple days to make sure it is out. Some dry conditions and wind can easily spark it up again.

Cool your ashes before you put them in your organics cart for disposal.

Be careful using matches, lighters and disposing of cigarettes 

• Be mindful of where adults store matches and lighters and keep them out of the reach of children.
• Completely cool your cigarette butts before placing them in the black waste cart. 
• Keep your butt out of it. Using a plant pot as an ashtray will insulate the lit smoking material instead of extinguishing it. Use a metal can with sand or a commercially-made ashtray to extinguish smoking materials instead.

Enjoying BBQs the safe way

• If using propane, inspect propane bottles for damage and age. Bottles must be re-qualified after 10 years.
• With gas or propane grills, check hose and connectors for wear and damage and ensure the connections are tight. Applying soapy water to the outside of the hose will easily reveal any leaks. Open the main cylinder valve slowly and fully (ensure burner control valves are turned off). If bubbles form, your connection is leaking.
• Be sure to have sufficient space away from siding, garages and overhangs if you use your barbecue on decks and patios.
• Never leave a lit barbecue unattended and keep children and pets safely away. 

Fireworks in Strathcona County - you need a permit

• Rural residents who wish to discharge fireworks on their property must first obtain a fireworks permit. They are free and are valid for one year.
• Fireworks are not allowed in:
  • Sherwood Park
  • Antler Lake
  • Ardrossan
  • Collingwood Cove
  • Half Moon Lake
  • Hastings Lake
  • Josephburg
  • North and South Cooking Lake
• Before using the fireworks, talk with your neighbours first. Fireworks can negatively impact humans, livestock, and family pets. If your neighbour could be impacted by the display, we ask that you do not set off the fireworks.
• Fireworks permits are issued electronically.
• If you have questions, please contact Strathcona County Fire Prevention at 780-449-9651 or fireprevention@strathcona.ca Fire Station 6, between Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Camping fun

• Always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the camp fire.
• Build your campfire down wind and away from your tent. 
• Always put out a campfire before going to sleep or leaving the camp site. To extinguish a fire, pour water over it.
• Check the Alberta Fire Ban website to see if there are any fire restrictions or bans where you are camping.

Be aware of changing weather

• How do I prepare my family for thunderstorms and lightning?
• What do I do during a tornado? Learn how to shelter-in-place.

Take precaution on the water

• Only swim in approved areas, and be sure to supervise children near water at all times.
• Always wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing and water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, such as water wings and inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.