County Upgrades Fire Advisory to Fire Restriction
Effective at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will be issuing a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, to align with Alberta Wildfire’s move to a fire restriction.
The Fire Restriction replaces the former Fire Advisory issued on April 15. The restriction is in effect due to warmer temperatures forecasted for the region.
“The combination of higher winds, rising temperatures and lower relative humidity has created unfavourable conditions that make it much easier for fires to start and spread,” says County Fire Chief Trevor Grant.”
While the fire restriction is in effect, no new fire permits will be issued. Only approved fire pits, burn barrels, or industrial bins may be used for burning, and only within proper enclosures.
Those who have an approved permit must follow permit guidelines and safe burning practices, including always remaining on site until burning is complete. Residents are reminded that burning is never permitted when winds reach, or are forecasted to reach, 12 km per hour or higher.
Residents are also encouraged to check any burn piles from this winter to ensure they are completely extinguished.
Details and any updates to the restriction will be available at www.countygp.ab.ca/fireban. View all current fire restrictions and bans in place across the province at www.albertafirebans.ca.
For safe burning practices, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/fire or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.
- 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-caused wildfires.
-
Fire Advisory: The fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds, 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 in an approved fire pit. 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
Contact Us
County of Grande Prairie
Administration Building
10001 - 84 Avenue
Clairmont, AB
T8X 5B2
Phone: 780-532-9722
Fax: 780-539-9880
Email: info@countygp.ab.ca
Sign up to our Newsletter
Stay up to date on the County's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.