Town of Ponoka

Due to the recent rainy weather, Ponoka County Regional Fire Services has lifted the ‘Fire Restriction’ and has issued a ‘Fire Advisory’ effective today, May 13.

Residents are encouraged to refrain from non-essential burning until conditions improve. 

This includes fire pits and burning barrels (in the industrial park only). In addition, the use of fireworks is prohibited.

Citizens are encouraged to continue to use extreme caution and be fire smart, as use of the following is now permitted under the Fire Advisory:

• Bylaw-compliant fire pits (with a mesh screen) and burning barrels (in the industrial park only);
• Portable propane fire pits and appliances; and
• Barbecues and smokers (propane/charcoal briquette).

Always remember to use extreme caution. An ‘under control’ fire can change in seconds or minutes.

Fire Pit Safety

When using bylaw-compliant fire pits, citizens are urged to use extreme caution and never leave a fire pit unattended. 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 advisories, restrictions and bans across Alberta, including the Town of Ponoka, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca/