The County of Grande Prairie has declared a ban on all outdoor fires due to warm, dry conditions and the extreme fire hazard in the region. The ban includes the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley and the Village of Hythe.
It means all burn permits have been revoked and no new ones will be issued. No outdoor fires will be allowed as well, including burn barrel and fireworks. Fire pits and charcoal barbecues are also out, but propane ones are still okay. The fine for going against the ban could be up to 5-thousand dollars.
Fire chief Everett Cooke also recommends that motorized equipment like ATVs and dirt bikes not be used as they can accidentally ignite a fire.
