The City of Grande Prairie has issued a fire ban that will start 2 p.m. Wednesday. It says it’s needed due to extremely dry and hot conditions throughout the Grande Prairie area.
The ban includes all open burning, fireworks, backyard and campground fire pits, burn barrels and incinerators, charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers, tiki torches, and propane and natural gas fires and fire pits. The use of propane or natural gas stoves used for cooking is still permitted.
Fire Marshal James Kostuk says off-road vehicle use isn’t off-limits, but the fire department hopes people will use good judgement when going for a ride.
“If you are using them, use caution. Use spark arresters, make sure they’re clean, and make sure you’re not dropping anything on the ground.”
The city says the ban will not be lifted until conditions improve both in the city limits and the Grande Prairie Forest Area. The forest area and the County of Grande Prairie are currently under fire advisories.