Fire ban back on in river valley – for now

By Lethbridge Herald on August 14, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

Due to the return of dry conditions, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services has placed a fire ban on the river valley area once again. 

Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshal with LFES, said he doesn’t enjoy putting a river valley fire ban in place, as he wants everyone to be able to enjoy the beautiful area, but it is necessary. 

“I know we received a lot of moisture during June and July, but I have been monitoring the ratings all week and as soon as I saw the ratings this morning from last night, I noticed that we are in extreme again,” said Hicks. 

He was referring to fire danger ratings, one of the factors LFES keeps an eye on when making decisions regarding fire bans. Other factors include weather conditions and vegetation moisture. 

“I know it looks nice and green, however, is underneath the green where the risk is. There is a fine foliage that is underneath and if something was to get ignited, with the wind it will only take a split second and it will be out of control,” said Hicks. 

Even though the fire ban on the river valley is in effect, it doesn’t mean it won’t be lifted again.

“I have been looking at the forecast for the rest of the month and it doesn’t look promising, but we will keep an eye on it,” said Hicks. “We monitor it everyday and if we can take it (ban) off, we will,” said Hicks. 

The fire ban is only in effect for the river valley right now. People can still enjoy backyard fires, as long as they are following the bylaw for open burning in the city. 

“There are things in there about wind, what you’re allowed to burn, distances, how big your fire pit can be, and if you’re following that bylaw, you’re good to go,” said Hicks. 

He also stressed the importance of making sure cigarettes are completely put out before disposing of them, especially while in the river valley at any time, but most importantly during a fire ban. 

“People need to be responsible for what they are doing. The majority of the fires we have are caused by human error, or not paying attention to what they are doing.”

It’s recommended to use water to make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished, as well as the ashes from them before disposing of them. As he also asked people to take care of the area and not litter. 

“I would hate for something small here to lead to something major in the city,” said Hicks. “And another thing I want people to remember is that when we send firefighters here to do their job, they are doing their job, but it is still putting them in danger, and we all have families who want us to come home at the end of our shift.”