City lifts fire ban, adds water spigots

By Lethbridge Herald on May 16, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

With the latest and more forecasted precipitation, the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services has lifted the fire ban in the river valley. But for days when it’s not raining, the City of Lethbridge has installed four new public water faucets in the area, not only to keep the risk of fire down, but also to help residents stay hydrated.

Chief Fire Marshal, Troy Hicks told reporters Thursday that the fire ban was lifted as of that day, but he wanted to let everyone know there is a chance that it will be back in place, depending on moisture content after the expected rainfall. 

“Hopefully not too soon, but it will be back in effect I’m sure this summer once we start getting that dry summer weather,” said Hicks. 

Four auto-shutoff taps have been installed on the exteriors of the Indian Battle park’s washroom buildings.  Hicks said it just makes sense to have them where people will be having fires.

“When the fire bans are lifted and you are permitted to come down here and have a wood burning fire, maybe have a little barbecue, bring some buckets and utilize this water,” said Hicks. “When you finish your event here in the river bottom, as a responsible City of Lethbridge resident, you can take the time and soak that fire and make sure is completely out before you go,” said Hicks. 

The fire department is called to the river valley repeatedly throughout the year to deal with firepits that are still smouldering after people have left. 

“I really recommend that people utilize these spigots, fill their water, you can get water for your dogs, use the water to put your fires out,” said Hicks. 

Even with the recent precipitation, people are asked to be mindful with fire in the river bottom and to continue to check the City of Lethbridge website and social media for both the city and the fire department to be up to date on fire bans.

“It is the public’s responsibility to know if there is a fire ban or not,” Kicks pointed out. “The excuse of not knowing there is a fire ban in effect or not understanding the regulations of the bylaw, is not an excuse. You will still be issued a fee if you’re caught.”

He said they hope having drinking water available in the park will also reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles brought to the river bottom.