By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 2, 2024.
news@medicinehatnews.com County residents can now apply for free fire permits, valid for three days, beginning Nov. 1 to March 31, 2025 following a spring/summer fire restriction. The county graduated to a fire restriction in June, not unusual during dry, warm summers, that set restrictions on the kinds of fires allowed, including recreational fires and fireworks, until Oct. 31. Fire permits are required for all open burns and are subject to the discretion of the emergency service co-ordinator. In addition to any Forest and Prairie Protection Act permit required, a county permit is also required. Under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act burnable items include things like bushes, fallen trees, grass, weekends, leaves, tree prunings and more. Prohibited materials include things like animal manure, wood products containing preservatives, plastic, oil, containers that held pesticides or other chemicals and more. Apply for a permit online through Cypress County’s website. 8