The fire ban in the County of Grande Prairie has been reduced to a fire restriction thanks to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures in the region.
According to county officials, as of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service downgraded the Fire Ban to a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
The improved conditions are said to make it less likely for new wildfires to start or spread, however, the county will continue to monitor the fire risk and weather conditions in the days that come and will reassess the restriction level as needed. County Deputy Chief Chad Cormack says it is important to remember the risk is not gone.
“If you’re spending time outdoors, please remain vigilant and continue to follow safe fire practices,” Cormack says.
Permitted burning is restricted to approved recreational fire pits, approved burn barrels, and propane appliances such as barbecues, smokers, and fire pits.
On Tuesday, the fire ban in the Grande Prairie Forest Area was also ended because of improved conditions.