FIRE RESTRICTION IS IN EFFECT FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
WEBSITE UPDATED 4/24/2024
Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will issue a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Wembley, Beaverlodge and Sexsmith.
All outdoor fires not contained within a non-combustible fire pit.
Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas.
Fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed:
Safe wood campfires
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Propane, Natural Gas, or Electrically powered cooking, heating, and lighting appliances
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring*
They are required to:
• Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
• Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
• Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
• Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
Information Number :
If you have any questions please contact the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service Office at (780) 532 9727
For safe burning practices, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/fire or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.
Fire Restriction: A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Fire Ban: A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, campgrounds, and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.
Information Number
If you are unsure how this restriction may affect you, contact the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Fire Protection Office at 780-532-9727.
Fire Hazard Levels
Depending on the conditions, the County of Grande Prairie uses the following tiered system to temporarily limit activities that may lead to wildfires. Fire advisories, restrictions or bans can reduce human-cause wildfires.
The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH. A fire restriction remains in place for the northern parts of Alberta. If you live, work or recreate in the forest, use caution and report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Wildfire information
Since January 1, 2024, 20 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 80 hectares. Of the 20 wildfires, 17 have been extinguished, one is listed as turned over to the responsible parties and two are under control.
Alberta wildfire crews are assisting the MD of Greenview with a 12 hectare wildfire,(GMD001) near the community of Debolt, 50 kilometers west of Valleyview. Alberta wildfire crews along with a helicopter are working with the Debolt fire department to extinguish the fire.
Alberta wildfire crews are assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a 30 hectare wildfire. (GCU005) started Saturday April 20, 2024 in the area of township road 730 to 732. Currently, wildfire crews are working to extinguish hotspots within the perimeter. For more information about this fire check here https://loom.ly/giBNlLM
2023 carryover wildfires
There are currently two carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires that are listed are under control and being monitored by firefighters.
A fire restriction has been issued for northern parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area as of April 18, 2024 1400hrs.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA-approved or UL certified.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
A fire advisory remains in effect for the south parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry fuel and gusty wind.
Under this advisory:
Permits will be issued on a case by case basis
No heavy fuel fire permits will be issued
Prohibited:
Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.ca