Fire Services Bylaw No. 389 (fireworks provisions)
Lacombe, Alberta
· adopted 2013-09-23
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BYLAW NO. 389
OF THE CITY OF LACOMBE
IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
CONSOLIDATED TO SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
A bylaw of the City of Lacombe, in the Province of Alberta, to provide for the
establishment and operation of a Fire Department and to provide for the protection and
preservation of life and property within the municipality.
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act RSA, 2000, c. M-26, s. 7(a) provides that a Council
of a Municipality may pass bylaws for the safety, health and welfare of people and the protection
of people and property;
WHEREAS the Municipal Council of the City of Lacombe wishes to establish a fire service
within the City of Lacombe and;
WHEREAS, the Municipal Council of the City of Lacombe wishes to establish joint fire services
with other municipalities;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Lacombe in the Province of Alberta duly
assembled enacts as follows:
SECTION 1 NAME OF BYLAW
1.1
This Bylaw may be cited as "The City of Lacombe Fire Services Bylaw"
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
2.1
In this bylaw:
a. "Apparatus" shall mean any vehicle provided with machinery, devices,
equipment or materials for fighting fires, as well as vehicles used to transport
firefighters or supplies.
b. "Chief Administrative Officer" shall mean any person appointed as Chief
Administrative Officer of the City pursuant to the Municipal Government Act,
RSA 2000, c. M-26, and City of Lacombe Bylaw 58, or any person that holds
the position in an acting capacity.
c.
"Chief Officer" shall mean a person whose responsibility is above a company
officer's, automatically responding or dispatched beyond initial company
assignments, who is in command of the incident. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
d. "Company Officer" shall mean a fire department member appointed by the
Fire Chief or Designate to a supervisory position within the City of Lacombe
Fire Department. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
e. "City" shall mean the City of Lacombe.
f.
"Council" shall mean the Municipal Council of the City of Lacombe
g. "Dangerous Goods" shall mean a product, substance, or organism included
by its nature or by the regulations in any of the classes listed in the
Dangerous Goods Transportation and Handling Act, RSA 2000, c. D-4.
h. "Emergency" shall mean a present or imminent event that requires prompt
coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect
the health, safety or welfare of people or to limit damage to property.
i.
"Enforcement Officer" shall mean a Peace Officer or a person appointed by
Chief Administrative Officer to enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.
j.
"Equipment" shall mean any tools, contrivances, devices or materials used by
the Fire Department to combat an incident or other emergency.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 2
k.
"False Alarm" shall mean any fire alarm that is set needlessly, through willful
or accidental, human or mechanical error, and to which the Fire Department
responds and determines there is no incident or emergency.
l.
"Fire Alarm" shall mean any mechanical or electrical device which is designed
or used for the detection and alert of heat, smoke, or fire. (b.389.1,
09/08/2025)
m. "Fire Chief" shall mean the person appointed by the City of Lacombe as a
Senior Manager under the provisions of this Bylaw, or designated delegate
and who performs the duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Bylaw.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
n. "Fire Department" shall mean the City of Lacombe Fire Department
established under this Bylaw. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
o. "First Responder" shall mean those persons who in the course of their normal
duties may be the first on the scene of an incident and are trained to
recognize that a hazard exists, call for trained personnel and secure the area.
p. "Fire Protection" shall mean all aspects of fire safety including, but not limited
to, fire prevention, fire fighting or suppression, rescue, pre-fire planning, fire
investigation, public education and information, training or other staff
development and advising.
q. "Fireworks" shall mean fireworks listed in Part 1, Section 11, Subsections A,
B, and C of the Explosives Regulations, 2013 (SOR/2013-211). (b.389.1,
09/08/2025)
r.
"Illegal Fire" shall mean any fire that is set in contravention of this Bylaw.
s.
"Incident" shall mean a fire, a situation where a fire or explosion is imminent
or any other situation presenting a danger or possible danger to life or
property and to which the Fire Department has responded.
t.
"Inspection Officer" or "Fire Safety Codes Officer" shall mean the Fire Chief,
Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Deputy Chief, Enforcement Officer, or any Fire
Department Member directed to undertake inspections. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
u. "Member" shall mean any person appointed as a paid-on-call firefighter of the
City of Lacombe Fire Department under this Bylaw. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
v.
Deleted. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
w. "Municipal Government Act" Shall mean the Municipal Government Act, RSA
2000, c. M-26 and any amendments thereto;
x.
"Municipal Ticket" means a form, marked as Schedule "C" and attached
hereto and forming part of this bylaw, allowing for voluntary payment to the
City for a fine amount established by this bylaw;
y.
"Mutual Aid Agreement" shall mean an agreement between the City and other
municipalities or persons for the joint use, control and management of fire
extinguishing apparatus, and rescue equipment. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
z.
Deleted.(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
aa. "Open Fires" shall mean any Fire which is not contained within a fire pit, an
outdoor fireplace, a stationary barbeque, or an incinerator approved by
Alberta Environment, and includes, but is not limited to:
i.
Fire for the burning of weeds, grass, leaves, brush or any other
plant matter;
ii.
Fire related to recreational uses in an area that has not been
designated for recreational fire by the City; and
iii.
Any fire set for the purpose of thawing frozen ground.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 3
bb. "Property" shall mean any real or personal property, including but not limited,
to land and structures.
cc. "Qualified Personnel" shall mean a person in possession of a Fireworks
Supervisor Card issued pursuant to the Explosives Act (Canada), R.S.C.,
1985, c. E-17 and the Fire Code Regulation (Alberta) A/R 32/2015. (b.389.1,
09/08/2025)
dd. Deleted. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
ee. Deleted. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
ff. "Safety Codes Act" shall mean the Safety Codes Act, RSA 2000, c. S-1 and
any amendments thereto
gg. "Safety Codes Officer" shall mean an individual designated as a Safety
Codes Officer in accordance with the Safety Codes Act, RSA 2000, c. S-1.
hh. "Security Alarm" shall mean an alarm system intended to detect an
unauthorized entry to a premise or to alert people to the commission of an
unlawful act or both.
ii. "Violation Ticket" means a violation ticket as defined in the Provincial
Offences Procedure Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-34.
SECTION 3
ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
3.1
Council hereby establishes Lacombe Fire Department for the purpose of:
a.
preventing and extinguishing fires;
b.
investigating the cause of fires;
c.
preserving life and property and protecting persons and property from injury
or destruction by fire;
d.
acting as first responders preserving life and property and protecting
persons from injury or destruction by Dangerous Goods, or Industrial
incidents;
e.
providing rescue services;
f.
preventing, combating and controlling incidents;
g.
carrying out fire inspections and prevention patrols; and
h.
entering into agreements with other municipalities or persons for the joint
use, control and management of fire extinguishing;
3.2
The Fire Department shall respond within the authorized scope and at the level
of service as established by Council policy, City of Lacombe Fire Service Level
Policy, and as the Fire Department's manpower, equipment and training permit.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 4
JURISDICTION
4.1
The limits of the jurisdiction of the Fire Department, the Fire Chief and Members
shall extend to the area and boundaries of the City and those service areas
within the Emergency Response District of Lacombe County as established by
Lacombe County Council or by agreement. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
4.2
No apparatus or equipment shall be used beyond the limits of the City without the
express authorization provided within a Mutual Aid Agreement or fire services
agreement.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 4
SECTION 5
FIRE CHIEF
5.1
The Fire Chief shall be appointed by and be responsible to the Chief
Administrative Officer or designate.
5.2
The Fire Chief shall be responsible to the Council through the Chief
Administrative Officer or designate.
5.3
The Fire Chief may appoint Officers as required for the operation of the fire
department, subject to the fire department's approved organization chart and
operating budget. Officers shall be supervised by the Fire Chief or designate.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
5.4
The Fire Chief may appoint additional members to the Fire Department as
required for the proper and efficient operation of the Fire Department. These
Members shall be supervised by the Fire Chief or designate and other Company
Officers in accordance with the Fire Department's organizational chart. (b.389.1,
09/08/2025)
5.5
The Fire Chief has complete responsibility and authority over the Fire
Department, subject to the direction and control of the Chief Administrative
Officer or designate, and in particular, may carry out all Fire Protection activities
and such other activities as directed in the approved annual budget including but
not limited to:
a. rescue;
b. emergency medical services, excluding ambulance services;
c. pre-fire planning including inspections and building familiarization;
d. disaster services;
e. preventative patrols; and public awareness patrols; and
f. fire inspections.
5.6
Subject to the ratification of the Administrative Policies and Directives by the
CAO, the Fire Chief may establish rules, regulations, and standard operating
procedures and committees necessary for the proper organization and
administration of the Fire Department including, but not limited to:
a. Use, care and protection of Fire Department property,
b. Training, conduct, and discipline of Members and Company Officers; and
c. Efficient operation of the Fire Department
d. Recommending Paid on Call rates
These regulations, rules, and policies shall be consistent with City polices.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
5.7
The Fire Chief or designate, or in their absence, Deputy Chief, or Assistant
Deputy Fire Chief shall have control, direction and management of any Fire
Department apparatus, equipment or human resources assigned to an incident.
When a Company Officer is in charge, they shall continue to act until relieved by
a Chief Officer if the call warrants a Chief Officer response. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
5.8
The Fire Chief or the Officer in Charge, who is at the site of an incident or other
emergency, may, at their discretion:
a. order persons in a building to vacate the building and not re-enter the
building unless authorized by the Fire Chief or the Officer in Charge;
b. establish a perimeter around the site and prevent persons from entering
the perimeter;
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 5
c. request enforcement officers' assistance to prevent persons from entering
a building or establish a perimeter;
d. cause a building, structure or any other property to be pulled down,
demolished or otherwise removed so as to prevent the spread of fire or
hazard to other buildings, structures or property; and
e. cause any Member, fire apparatus, or equipment to enter on any
Property, including adjacent Property to combat, control or deal with an
Incident.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 6 POWERS OF MEMBERS
6.1
Each person duly appointed by the Fire Chief is a Member of the Fire
Department by virtue of their appointment (b.389.1, 09/08/2025).
6.2
Every Member shall have the authority and power to:
a. extinguish or control any Fire;
b. perform the operations necessary to preserve life and property;
c. enter onto any Property for the purpose described in clauses (a) or (b);
and
d. regulate the conduct of the public in and around the vicinity of any place
where a Member is performing the activities described in clauses (a) or
(b);
6.3
The Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Company Officer in Charge, or a Member directed
by a Chief Officer or a Company Officer in Charge shall have the authority to:
a. compel any able-bodied, adult persons who are not Members to assist in
extinguishing fires and to assist in the prevention and spread thereof;
b. authorize payment for the possession or use of any equipment for the
purposes of fighting a fire;
c. enter into a closed area without a permit or written permission for
purposes of controlling or mitigating a Fire or Incident;
d. obtain from any person found leaving, entering, or situated on public
lands:
i. That person's name, address and an account of activities;
ii. The activities the person proposes to carry out; and
iii. The route the person intends to travel on public land.
e. without a warrant, enter onto any land or premises, except a private
dwelling house, for the purpose of discharging duties under this Bylaw;
f. without a warrant, enter any private dwelling house which is on fire and
proceed to extinguish the Fire or to prevent the spread thereof;
g. without a warrant, enter any private dwelling to rescue an individual
whose life is in imminent danger;
h. direct the operations necessary to extinguish or control the Fire, or to
preserve life and Property; and
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 6
i.
regulate the conduct of the public in and around the vicinity of any place
where a Member is performing the activities necessary to extinguish or
control the fire or to preserve life or Property.
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
6.4
Deleted.(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 7 FIRE HYDRANTS
7.1
No person, other than Members or employees of the City, shall, without prior
approval from the Fire Chief, affix any tool, hose or other device to any fire
hydrant or fire hydrant valve.
7.2
No person shall, without prior approval from the Fire Chief, paint any fire hydrant,
or any portion thereof.
SECTION 8 CONTROL OF FIRE HAZARDS
8.1
In accordance with the Safety Codes Act, accredited Safety Codes Officers shall
be given access at reasonable hours to both public and private property for the
purpose of investigating an unsafe condition, accident or fire to determine its
cause and make recommendations related to safety.
8.2
If, in the opinion of an Inspection Officer or Fire Safety Codes Officer there exists
a fire hazard on land within the City, whether private or public, the Inspection
Officer or Fire Safety Codes Officer may order the owner or person in control of
the said land to reduce or remove the hazard within the time and in the manner
prescribed by the Inspection Officer or Fire Safety Codes Officer. (b.389.1,
09/08/2025)
8.3
In the event of non-compliance with an order made pursuant to section 8.2, the
Inspection Officer or Fire Safety Codes Officer may enter onto the land with any
equipment and human resources necessary to eliminate or reduce the fire
hazard at the property owner's expense. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
8.4
The owner or person in control of the land or building on which work was
performed pursuant to section 8.3 shall, upon receipt of a written demand by the
City, reimburse the City for the cost of the work performed. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
8.5
If payment is not received within 30 days of the issuance of a demand pursuant
to section 8.4, the City shall add the cost of the work performed to the tax roll and
cause a corresponding lien to be registered against the property at the Land
Titles Office. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 9
REQUIREMENTS TO REPORT
9.1
The owner or authorized agent of any property damaged by fire shall immediately
report to the Fire Department particulars about the fire which is satisfactory to the
Fire Chief and failure to do so is an offence.
9.2
The owner or authorized agent of any property containing dangerous goods shall
immediately report to the Fire Department the particulars regarding any
accidental or unauthorized release of such dangerous goods and failure to do so
is an offence.
9.3
Any person who has spilled or released any Dangerous Good shall immediately
report particulars of such spill or release to the Fire Department and failure to do
is an offence.
SECTION 10 OPEN FIRES
10.1
No person shall cause an open fire to be ignited or allow an open fire to continue
burning within the City.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 7
10.2
Any person fails to comply with any of the provisions of subsection 10.1 herein is
guilty of an offence.
10.3
Subsection 10.1 shall not apply to fires set by the Fire Department for training
purposes or as a backfire.
10.4
Any Member, Peace Officer or Employee of the City may extinguish an illegal fire
using whatever apparatus or procedure that the Member may deem appropriate
or necessary to extinguish an illegal fire.
10.5
The costs of controlling or extinguishing any illegal fire shall be recovered from
the person causing the illegal fire under the provisions of the Municipal
Government Act.
SECTION 11 RESPONDING TO FALSE ALARMS
11.1
The City may charge a fee for the Fire Department responding to a Residential,
Commercial, or Industrial False Alarm, as set out in Schedule "A" of this Bylaw,
where the Fire Department responds to:
a. more than one False Alarm at the same building;
b. more than one False Alarm from the same alarm system; or
c. more than one False Alarm from the same parcel of land where there is
more than one building on that parcel of land. (b.389.1, 08/09/2025)
11.2
Where the Fire Department responds to any alarm that is the result of a Security
Alarm being routed to the Fire Department, the City may charge a fee for the Fire
Department responding as set out in Schedule "A" of this Bylaw.
11.3
Where the Fire Department responds to an alarm as set out in subsection 11.2
and the Business Owner, Property Owner, or Property Manager does not provide
access to the interior of the building within 15 minutes of the arrival of the Fire
Department, the City may charge, in addition to the False Alarm fee set out in
Schedule "A", a standby fee as set out in Schedule "A", until access is provided
to the interior of the building.
11.4
If a Business Owner, Property Owner or Property Manager has installed a lock-
box in an accessible location at the building and if that lock-box contains current
keys or codes to provide access to the building, a person or key holder does not
have to be present to satisfy the access requirements as set out in subsection
11.3.
11.5
If the Fire Department is dispatched to respond to an alarm but is notified that the
alarm is a False Alarm before a vehicle leaves the fire station, one vehicle shall
continue in a cold response mode to ensure the building is safe for occupancy or
habitation. If only one vehicle responds to the False Alarm to reset that alarm
system or provide a safety inspection of the building, the fee set out in Schedule
"A" for that response shall be reduced by 50%. The 50% fine reduction shall
apply to only fire alarms and not to a Security Alarm routed to the Fire
Department. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
11.6
The fees provided for in this section may be charged to a Property Owner,
Business Owner, Property Manager, Alarm Company or person responsible for
the False Alarm.
SECTION 12 CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS
12.1
The City may, by Council approval:
a. enter into a written contract providing the supply of Fire Protection services
outside the municipal boundaries of the City with another municipality;
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
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Fire Services Bylaw
Page 8
b) enter into mutual aid agreements with other surrounding municipalities within
a 50 km radius of the City; or
c) upon request, supply Fire Protection services outside the municipal
boundaries of the City.
SECTION 13 FIRE PITS, OUTDOOR FIREPLACES, STATIONARY & PORTABLE
BARBECUES
13.1
For the enjoyment of dwelling residents use of fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and
stationary barbeques may be permitted.
13.2
The use of fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and stationary barbeques may be
restricted or prohibited during a fire ban.
13.3
Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and stationary barbecues that burn combustible
material shall:
a. be located in a rear yard with a minimum of 3.4 meters (10 feet) clearance
from buildings, property lines and combustible materials, or as approved by
the Fire Chief;
b. be constructed of bricks or concrete blocks, or heavy gauge metal, or other
suitable non-combustible components;
c. have a spark arrestor mesh screen of 1.30 centimeters (.50 inches)
expanded metal (or equivalent) to contain sparks over the fire at all times;
d. be the sole responsibility of the owner or tenant of the property;
e. be supervised at all times by a responsible adult person over the age of
eighteen (18) until such time as the fire has been completely extinguished.
For the purpose of this clause, a fire shall be deemed to include any hot
ashes and smouldering embers resulting from the fire;
f. only burn wood, charcoal briquettes, propane or natural gas; and
g. have flames no higher than one hundred (100) cm (3.28 feet) above the fire
pit or the barbecue fire box. (b.389.1, 08/09/2025)
h. Fire pits must not exceed the following dimensions in City of Lacombe
boundaries:
i.
Be less than 0.6 metres high (1.97 feet)
ii.
Be less than 1.0 metres wide (3.28 feet)
iii.
Be no less than 0.3 metres high (0.98 feet)
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
i.
Permitted Fire Pit wood must be dry, untreated, natural (or "clean") with low
moisture content--ensuring efficient burning with minimal smoke and sparks
i.
Not allowed: painted, stained, pressure-treated, or chemically
treated lumber
ii.
Not allowed: yard waste, garbage, plywood, pallets, or green
(unseasoned) wood
(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
13.4 Except during a fire ban, fires are permitted in portable barbecues which burn
propane, natural gas, compressed briquettes, or charcoal when used for the
purpose of cooking or obtaining warmth, provided the appliances for cooking or
obtaining warmth are used on private property or in public areas, as approved by
the City, or the Fire Chief or designate.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 9
13.5 Except during a fire ban, fires are permitted within City owned outdoor fireplaces
located within public areas.
13.6 Any person fails to comply with any of the provisions of section 13 herein is guilty
of an offence.
SECTION 14 FIREWORKS
14.1
Subject to the exceptions set out following, no person shall discharge any
fireworks within the corporate limits of the City.
14.2
The Fire Chief may, upon written application, permit qualified personnel to ignite
fireworks and conduct fireworks displays. The Fire Chief may impose, at the sole
discretion of the Fire Chief, such conditions and restrictions on their use and
display as may be appropriate. Such conditions and restrictions might address:
a. hours of the day days of the week;
b. length of display;
c. height of display and type of fireworks used;
d. geographic location requirements for notification of affected residents; and
e. safety.
14.3
As per Division C Section 2.1.2.1. Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices of the
National Fire Code 2023 (AE), all fireworks shall be stored, used and ignited in
accordance with NRCan R.S.C., 1985, c.E-17, "Explosives Act" and its
regulations. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
14.4
No person shall be permitted to sell fireworks within the City.
14.5
Any person who fails to comply with any of the provisions of subsection 14.1 or
14.4 herein is guilty of an offence.
SECTION 15 FIRE BANS
15.1
The Fire Chief may impose a complete or partial fire ban within the City at his/her
discretion. When a fire ban is imposed, the City shall post the fire ban
information on the City's website and provincial fire ban website detailing the
conditions of the fire ban.
15.2
No person shall start or allow a fire on private or public property within the City at
any time while a complete fire ban is in place.
15.3
The Fire Chief or designate, a Member, or an Enforcement Officer may direct a
person to extinguish any fire when a fire ban is in place. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
15.4
A person who fails to comply with an order issued pursuant to subsection 15.3 is
guilty of an offence, and the Fire Chief or designate, Member, or Enforcement
Officer may extinguish the fire.(b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 16 RECOVERY OF COSTS
16.1
Where the Fire Department has taken any action whatsoever for the purpose of
extinguishing a fire, responding to a fire call, false alarm or incident for the
purpose of preserving life or property from injury or destruction by fire or other
incident on land, the Fire Chief:
a. in respect of any cost incurred in taking such action, may charge any cost so
incurred to the person who caused the fire, or to the owner or occupant of the
land in respect of which the action was taken; or
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
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Fire Services Bylaw
Page 10
b. in respect of any action taken on railway rights of way, may charge any cost
so incurred to the company or its agent; or
c. in respect of any action taken to mitigate or control a hazardous materials or
dangerous goods incident, may charge any cost so incurred to the company
or its agent.
16.2
Notwithstanding subsection 16.1, an owner or occupant of land shall not be
charged for costs incurred due a False Alarm unless such owner or occupant is
responsible for such False Alarm.
16.3
The costs and fees to be charged by the Fire Department for services rendered
pursuant to this Bylaw are as set out in Schedule "A".
16.4
In respect of any costs or fees levied or charged under this Bylaw:
a. the City may recover such costs or fees as a debt due and owing to the City;
and
b. in default of payment, where permitted by the Municipal Government Act, add
the amounts to the tax roll. (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
SECTION 17 OFFENCES
17.1 No person shall damage or destroy Fire Department apparatus, equipment or
supplies.
17.2
No person shall falsely represent themselves as a Member or wear or display
any Fire Department badge, cap, button, insignia or other paraphernalia for the
purpose of such representation.
17.3
No person shall:
a. cause any open or illegal fire in the City of Lacombe contrary to any
provisions of this Bylaw; or
b. provide false, incomplete or misleading information to the Fire Department on
or with respect to an incident, fire or fire related information; or
c. interfere with the efforts of any persons authorized to extinguish fires or
preserve life or property or in the carrying out of other duties imposed by this
Bylaw; or
d. at an incident, impede, obstruct or hinder a member or other person assisting
or acting under the direction of a Chief Officer or Company Officer in Charge;
or (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
e. at an incident, drive a vehicle or any apparatus without the permission of a
Chief Officer or Company Officer in Charge; or (b.389.1, 09/08/2025)
f. impede, obstruct or hinder a Member from carrying out duties imposed by this
Bylaw; or
g. burn or be responsible for the burning of any garbage or refuse; or
h. allow any fire to give off dense smoke or any offensive odor in a manner
which creates nuisance to neighboring persons and property; or
i.
allow any fire to burn out of control so as to threaten or cause damage to
adjacent property; or
j.
light an open fire or a structure fire; or
k. fail to take reasonable steps to control a fire for the purpose of preventing it
from spreading onto land other than his own; or
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 11
l.
deposit, discard or leave any burning matter or substance in a place where it
might ignite other matter and result in a fire.
SECTION 18 PENALTIES
18.1
A person who fails to comply with or breaches any provision of this Bylaw is
guilty of an offence.
18.2
If a Municipal Ticket is issued in respect of an offence, the Municipal Ticket will
specify the fine amount listed in Schedule "B" annexed hereto.
18.3
A person who is issued a Municipal Ticket in respect of an offence may pay the
fine amount established by this bylaw for the offence at the Lacombe City office
located at 5432 - 56th Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 1E9 and if the amount is
paid on or before the required date, the person will not be prosecuted for the
offence.
18.4
If a Violation Ticket is issued in respect of an offence, the Violation Ticket may:
a.
specify the fine amount established by this bylaw for the offence; or
b.
require a person to appear in court without the alternative of making a
voluntary payment; and a person who enters a guilty plea or is found guilty
of an offence is liable to a fine in an amount not less than that specified in
this bylaw and not exceeding $10,000.00 and liable to imprisonment for not
more than 6 months for non-payment of the fine. Nothing in this Bylaw shall
prevent an Enforcement Officer from immediately issuing a Violation Ticket
for the mandatory Court appearance of any person who contravenes any
provision of this Bylaw.
SECTION 19 LIABILITY
19.1
The Fire Chief or a Member charged with any duty of this Bylaw, acting in good
faith and without malice for the City in the discharge of their duties, shall not
hereby render the themselves personally liable and the Fire Chief or Member is
hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to
persons or property as a result of any act required or by reason of any act or
omission in the discharge of the Fire Chief or Member's duties.
19.2
Any suit brought against the Fire Chief or a Member, because of an act or
omission performed by the Member in the enforcement of any provision of this
Bylaw, shall be defended by the City until final determination of the proceedings.
The Fire Chief and any Member will be reimbursed or indemnified against any
loss or expense which the Fire Chief or Member may incur as a result of any
inquiry relating to, or any action brought or judgment obtained arising out of the
Fire Chief or Member's duties. The City shall not be required to pay any fines or
penalties levied or imposed against the Fire Chief or any Member by reason of
any conviction or charge for any violation of any statute or Bylaw.
SECTION 20 SCHEDULES
20.1
Schedule A as attached shall form part of this Bylaw.
20.2
Schedule B as attached shall form part of this Bylaw.
20.3
Schedule C as attached shall form part of this Bylaw.
SECTION 21 SEVERABILITY
21.1
Should any section or part of this Bylaw be found to have been improperly
enacted for any reason, then such section or part shall be regarded as being
severable from the rest of the Bylaw and the Bylaw remaining after such
severance shall be effective and enforceable as if the section found to be
improperly enacted had not been enacted as part of this Bylaw.
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 12
SECTION 22 REPEALED
22.1
City of Lacombe Bylaw #270 and any amendments are hereby repealed.
This Bylaw shall take effect on the day of the final passing thereof
INTRODUCED AND GIVEN FIRST READING this 9th day of September, A.D. 2013
GIVEN SECOND READING this 23rd day of September A.D. 2013
GIVEN THIRD AND FINAL READING this 23rd day of September, A.D. 2013
____________________________________
MAYOR
SEAL
____________________________________
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
Original Signed
Original Signed
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 13
Schedule "A"
Lacombe Fire Department Fees & Charges
(b. 389.1, 09/08/2025)
1.
Response Fees that include personnel costs are aligned with Alberta
Transportation Rates. These rates are subject to change each year.
a. Aerial Unit
Per Alberta Transportation Rates
b. Pumper Unit
Per Alberta Transportation Rates
c. Medium Rescue Unit
Per Alberta Transportation Rates
d. Rapid Response Unit
Per Alberta Transportation Rates
e. Command Unit
Per Alberta Transportation Rates
f. Standby Fee
$175.00 per 15 minutes per unit.
2.
Response fees may be assessed on the following types of response:
a. responses to railway rights of way;
b. dangerous goods incidents; or
c. a fire which results in an arson conviction under the Criminal Code of
Canada.
3.
Response fees may be charged for an 'open fire' which is intentionally set, and
becomes out of control, or some other emergency results.
4.
Replacement costs of equipment and/or materials used, lost or damaged will be
assessed at City of Lacombe cost plus 10%.
5.
Response fees for false alarms will be assessed in the following manner:
a. first response - written warning; and
b. each subsequent response - $300 per response
6.
Other Fees:
a. File Search (investigations and inspections)
$50 per search
b. Occupancy Load Certificates (licensed premises)
$150 per certificate
c. Fire Investigation Services
$100 per hour
d. Fire Inspection
i. During regular business hours
$150 per hour
ii. After regular business hours
$250 per hour
e. Re-inspection for Outstanding Fire Code Violations
$100 per visit
f. Fire Pit Site Inspection
$50 per visit
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 14
SCHEDULE "B"
Schedule of Fines
(b. 389.1, 09/08/2025)
Offence
Section,
Subsection or
Clause
Fine
Failure to Report a Fire
9.1
$250
Failure to Report a Dangerous Good Spill or Release
9.2 or 9.3
$250
Have an Open Fire
10.2
1st Offence
$250
2nd Offence
$500
Subsequent Offence
$1,000
Failure to have a permitted fire pit/fireplace or
Barbecue
13.6
$250
Sell or Discharge Fireworks
14.5
1st Offence
$250
2nd Offence
$500
Subsequent Offence
$1,000
Failure to Comply during a Fire Ban
15.4
1st Offence
$250
2nd Offence
$500
Subsequent Offence
$1,000
Damage/Destroy Fire Department Property
17.1
$1,000
Impersonating a Member
17.2
$250
Cause any open or illegal fire
17.3(a), 17.3(j), or
$250
Provide False Information
17.3(b)
$250
Interfere with efforts to extinguish a fire or carry out a
rescue
17.3(c), 17(d), or
17(e)
$500
Interfere with a Member in carrying out duties under
bylaw
17.3(f)
$500
Burning of Garbage of Waste
17.3(g)
$250
Allow a fire to create smoke, odour or spark
17.3 (h)
$250
Failure to Control a fire
17.3(i), or 17.3(k)
$500
Deposit, discard or leave burning material/substance
17.3(l)
$250
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION
City of Lacombe Bylaw #389 Consolidated
Fire Services Bylaw
Page 15
SCHEDULE "C"
Municipal Ticket
UNCERTIFIED CONSOLIDATION