Fire advisories are now in place for the County of Grande Prairie, the Grande Prairie Forest Area, and the MD of Greenview. They were both brought in as of noon Wednesday due to the extreme heat and dry conditions in the region.
The County’s advisory’s advisory includes the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe. Residents with permits are asked not to burn, and no new ones will be issued until further notice.
Burn barrels are still allowed, along with ceremonial burning, although not it winds are stronger than 12 kilometres an hour.
Alberta Wildfire says the wildfire danger level for the area is still high. Fire permits will only be issued for essential burning on a case-by-case basis.
Safe campfires within fire rings in campgrounds, and in backyards and random camping areas are still allowed. People can also still use charcoal briquettes, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues, and infrared-style heaters.
The MD says supervised recreational fire pits, burning barrels and ceremonial burning is possible at this time, but the large burning of brush piles and other material is not recommended. It reminds landowners that it’s their responsibility to make sure any burning is safe and that they could be held financially responsible for any fire that gets out of control.