Town of Ponoka

Thanks to some much needed moisture, Ponoka County Regional Fire Services has replaced the Fire Restriction that was previously in place with a Fire Advisory.

Under the current Fire Advisory, fireworks discharge permits and open burn permits (for large industrial users only) will be approved on a case-by-case basis in the Town of Ponoka. The Fire Advisory will be amended or lifted as circumstances change.

At this time the following is allowed: 

• Bylaw compliant backyard fire pits with a mesh screen and attended at all times; 
• BBQs (propane/charcoal briquette) and smokers; and 
• Gas and liquid powered appliances (for example, stoves, lanterns and propane fire rings). 

Fire Pit Safety 

When using bylaw compliant fire pits, citizens are urged to never leave a fire pit unattended. An ‘under control’ fire can change in a matter of seconds or minutes. Be aware of the weather conditions at all times and be sure to completely extinguish the flames and hot embers after you are done using your fire pit. 

All fire pits within the Town of Ponoka are required to:

• Be at least three metres from buildings, property lines, or anything else that could catch fire;
• Be equal to or less than 0.6 metres (two feet) high;
• Be equal to or less than one metre (three feet) wide;
• Have fully enclosed sides made of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy-gauge metal or other non-   combustible materials;
• Have a non-combustible mesh screen that covers the top of the fire pit with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (.5 inches) to stop sparks from flying out; and
• Have a water hose, fire extinguisher or some other acceptable means of controlling or extinguishing the fire nearby.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

For updates on fire status in Ponoka and across Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca or contact Ponoka County Regional Fire Services at 403-783-3333