Email icon Back to Search

County of Grande Prairie Issues Fire Ban  

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, the County of Grande Prairie will implement a fire ban that encompasses the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.  

The Fire Ban was issued due to hot, dry, and windy weather conditions and the lack of forecasted precipitation. 

Existing burning permits are revoked, and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. All fires currently burning must be extinguished immediately. 

Under the ban, all outdoor fires are prohibited including: 

  • Recreational fire pits, fires using charcoal briquettes, and any fires in County operated parks and campgrounds 

  • Open pit burning 

  • Burning barrels 

  • Burning of refuse 

  • Brush piles and crop stubble 

  • Fireworks 

The use of propane appliances, such as barbecues, is permitted.  

For industry, open pit flaring is suspended. 

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions change. Read more about the current fire ban status at www.countygp.ab.ca/fireban. View all current fire restrictions and bans in place across the province at www.albertafirebans.ca.   

-30- 

Backgrounder 

Depending on the conditions, the County of Grande Prairie uses the following tiered system to temporarily limit activities that may lead to wildfires. Fire advisories, restrictions or bans can reduce human-cause wildfires. 

  • Fire Advisory: The fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve. 

  • Fire Restriction: A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued 

  • Fire Ban: A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, campgrounds, and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued. 

 

Media Contact:  
Trevor Grant 
Fire Chief  
County Regional Fire Service 
780-532-9727 

 

Sign up for Voyent Alert!   
Stay informed and prepared with Voyent Alert, the multi-purpose communication service provided by the County of Grande Prairie. Receive critical alerts like fires or floods, as well as day-to-day communications. Don't wait for emergencies to strike; register today. Download the Voyent Alert! app on your iOS or Android device, or register for email, SMS, or phone alerts at https://register.voyent-alert.com. Learn more at www.countygp.ab.ca/alerts.