County Upgrades Fire Advisory to Fire Restriction

August 29, 2025

Update: August 28, 4:45 p.m. County Bans the Use of Fireworks During Fire Restriction

Due to ongoing dry conditions and forecasted hot weather, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service is implementing a temporary ban on the use of fireworks. No new permits will be issued at this time, and existing permits do not authorize fireworks use until further notice.

County Upgrades Fire Advisory to Fire Restriction

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 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.

The Fire Restriction replaces the former Fire Advisory issued on June 24, 2025. The restriction is in effect due to warmer temperatures forecasted for the region.

“The combination of hot and dry conditions and the lower relative humidity have 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.

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.

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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: 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.

Media Contact:
Chad Cormack
Deputy Fire Chief, Operations
County Regional Fire Service
780-532-9727

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