Grande Prairie’s fire season has had a quiet start, and County of Grande Prairie officials are encouraging residents to do their best to keep it that way.
As of March 21st, Alberta Wildfire has not reported any new wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area since the new year. Despite the current wildfire danger level sitting at low, officials say risks can increase quickly as the snow melts.
To keep the fire risk to a minimum, residents are encouraged to practice FireSmart behaviour throughout the rest of the melt and season.
Officials say even in the winter, wildfires remain a concern. While many county residents and farmers may choose to take advantage of the snow for burning brush piles and windrows, following a few precautions is essential in avoiding holdover fire risk in the summer.
Before burning, officials remind you to always have the right tools and water nearby. Additionally, being mindful of drought conditions, checking for smouldering even after it is extinguished, and following the “Soak, Stir, Soak” method to put out your fire are all great ways to mitigate fire risk on your property.
After a winter burn, the county says regularly monitoring the site for signs of smouldering or holdover fires is critical throughout the spring. Officials suggest checking your burn piles during the spring season by inserting a metal rod or pry bar into the pile and checking its temperature- if it’s hot, the pile is still burning inside or underground.
