Fire Ban Downgraded to Fire Restriction

County of Grande Prairie Downgrades Fire Ban to Fire Restriction Reminding Public to Still Exercise Caution

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will downgrade the Fire Ban with a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.

“Following light rainfall over the weekend, and with most crop seeding now complete, we are now downgrading the Fire Ban to a Fire Restriction,” says County Fire Chief Trevor Grant. “However, the precipitation was not significant enough to eliminate wildfire risk. We continue to ask residents to remain cautious and only burn, when absolutely necessary.”

Permitted burning is restricted to approved recreational fire pits, approved burn barrels, and propane fired appliances (barbecues, smokers, and fire pits).

Those who have an approved permit must follow permit guidelines and safe burning practices, including always remaining on site until the 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 the 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: 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