County Upgrades Fire Advisory to Fire Restriction

County Upgrades Fire Advisory to Fire Restriction

Effective at 8:00 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 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. The Fire Restriction replaces the former Fire Advisory issued on May 5, 2026. The restriction is in effect due to warmer temperatures forecasted for the region.

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.

The County will continue to monitor weather conditions. Any updates will be posted on the County website at www.countygp.ab.ca/fireban.   

For safe burning practices, visit the Fire Services webpage or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.  

Background Information
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: This is a warning level that the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. 

• 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, including inside County campgrounds. 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. 

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