A fire restriction will be in place for the City and County of Grande Prairie as of 1 p.m. Friday.
According to city officials, the restriction is due to very dry conditions.
In the city while the restriction is in place, open burning of any kind, burn barrels, residential fire pits without a spark arrestor or screen, smudge fires, safe wood campfires on public lands and fireworks are not allowed without written authorization.
City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Fire Marshal, Chris Renyk, says the restriction is intended to prevent human-caused wildfires.
“We ask that all residents exercise caution and take proactive steps to help keep our community safe from wildfires,” Renyk says.
Propane and natural gas appliances, including barbecues and fire pits, charcoal briquette barbecues, wood pellet smokers, and open flame oil devices such as tiki torches, are allowed to be used during the restriction.
In the county no new fire permits will be issued while the restriction is in effect and only approved fire pits, burn barrels, or industrial bins can be used within proper enclosures.
According to County Fire Chief Trevor Grant, fires are much easier to start and spread in the current hot and dry conditions.
As well the community is being reminded when winds reach or are forecasted to be 12 kilometres per hour or higher burning is not permitted.
The fire restriction will be in place until conditions improve.
