Fire Ban

Last night there was a substantial fire in Swan Valley West that was a result of burning without proper protections in place. Burning permits don’t give you permission to burn anything at any time, they give you permission to burn safely with proper fire guards, an adequate water supply and with good conditions.

Many are suggesting we implement a fire ban today as a result of last nights fire. The reality is that fire bans don’t always stop someone from lighting a match. Burning is always banned in Swan Valley West unless you hold a valid burning permit.

Earlier today we spoke to all permit holders. As a result of those conversations, many burning permits have been cancelled. The remaining permit holders have satisfied us that they will only burn in a safe manner and that they will not be lighting a fire today or until conditions improve.

No new burning permits are being issued at this time and they will not be issued until conditions improve AND those applying satisfy us that they have a safe plan for burning. Without a permit, burning is illegal in Swan Valley West.

Please do not light a fire today… or until conditions have improved. It really isn’t about the fact you can be fined, its about being safe and protecting yourself and others.

We are not attempting to ban using your BBQ on your deck or other similar very low risk activities. By withholding permits we are essentially banning burning while leaving those low risk activities alone. If we see a fire caused by those low risk activities we will be forced to move to a total burning ban including BBQs, fire pits, etc.

Last night our firefighters had to put their lives on hold to put out a major fire. That meant lost time from seeding, from work and from their families. We can’t have that happen again due to careless burning.