Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will replace its Fire Ban with a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. 

“The recent precipitation we’ve received over the past couple of days is great news for our area, especially with having just worked on the Kleskun Creek wildfire in the Teepee Creek area and the Valhalla wildfire,” says County Fire Chief Trevor Grant. “However, we are still asking residents to be vigilant and only burn, when necessary, as the risk of wildfires still exists across the region.” 

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 Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727. 

Information provided by the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service