The County of Grande Prairie has issued a fire ban that encompasses the entire region, including the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. The Fire Ban replaces the former Fire Restriction issued on April 30.
Officials say the ban is in place due to dry conditions, and recent wildfire activity in the region, including the Morgan’s Mountain and the Deer Ridge Estates wildfires.
Upgrading from a restriction to an outright ban means existing burning permits are revoked, and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. All fires currently burning must be extinguished immediately.
Under the ban, all outdoor fires are prohibited, including:
Recreational fire pits, fires using charcoal briquettes, and any fires in County-operated parks and campgrounds.
Open pit burning
Burning barrels
Burning of refuse
Brush piles and crop stubble
Fireworks
The use of propane appliances, such as barbecues, is permitted.
