Lacombe County council upheld a sizeable firefighting bill but waived late penalties associated with it. The resolution was passed at the Nov. 27 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read reports and heard presentations from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tim Timmons and Manager of Fire and Emergency Services Dave Bain regarding a fire response to resident Dan Kyncl; it was noted in the agenda Kyncl spoke to councillors in person at a previous meeting with concerns about how firefighting services were billed.

Readers should note that a fire can cause damage to a resident’s property, and such damage can be covered by an insurance policy; however, fees for the actual firefighting services are separate and distinct from any damage caused by a fire and may or may not be included in some insurance policies. Firefighting fees can climb to the tens of thousands of dollars depending on the emergency but can also be covered by insurance if such a policy is in place.

The issue before council was a request by Kyncl to reduce or eliminate the firefighting bill he received for a May 6 fire on his property. “Mr. Kyncl’s primary concern is the county’s policy of invoicing for fire department response services,” stated the staff memo. “He is of the view that property taxes should pay for these services.”

Staff provided a detailed breakdown of the incident in question, noting it began with a 911 call, that about 50 yards was burning and included a tree, the fire was spreading west “...and moving pretty fast” and the fire was approaching a neighbour’s house. The staff report further noted multiple fire departments including Eckville and Clearwater County responded plus a helicopter. It was noted that by 8:45 p.m. the fire was “knocked down” and units were leaving the scene. It was noted the fire was likely the re-ignition of a previous blaze from 2024.

Staff provided a breakdown of firefighting costs for equipment and firefighters totalling $18,717.50, although it was observed Kyncl had originally been charged more due to a billing error. It was further noted Kyncl’s balance hadn’t been paid, so late penalties were applied.

Councillors discussed Kyncl’s request for relief, with one complicating factor: Lacombe County recently instituted a $10,000 cap on firefighting fees for response to fires that have a valid Lacombe County fire permit. These changes were made in Oct. and it was observed several times Kyncl’s fire occurred months before the cap was in place.

The CAO pointed out that if councillors in effect retroactively applied the $10,000 cap back to May 6, other residents who received firefighting bills may apply for the same relief; it was stated that if for example the county increased a speed limit, should drivers who got a speeding ticket under the old limit be given a refund?

As councillors debated Kyncl’s request, it was generally agreed that the rules that were in place May 6 should be observed.

It was also noted during discussion the difference between property damage costs and fees for firefighting service.

Councillors further discussed the late penalties applied to Kyncl’s account. It was noted the appeal process can be lengthy and may have played a role in the late payment. Hence, councillors agreed by resolution to waive the late penalties if Kyncl pays the firefighting bill before Jan. 1, 2026.

However, a resolution to uphold Kyncl’s firefighting bill was passed by majority vote.