The County of Grande Prairie has downgraded the recently enacted fire ban to a fire restriction starting Thursday afternoon that will cover the entire region, as well as the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
County Fire Chief Trevor Grant following light rainfall over the weekend, and with most crop seeding now complete, they are able to safely downgrade, but he says it’s still on residents to keep safety top of mind when fire is involved in any capacity.
“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.
