High

Fire Restriction lifted for Entire County and Surrounding Towns

Effective at 2:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service has lifted the Fire Restriction that was put in place on July 29 for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. This change aligns with Alberta Wildfire’s move to lift all advisories today.

Due to cooler temperatures and recent rainfall, the County will not have any advisories in place as the fire danger in the region is now low.

Residents are encouraged to check any burn piles from this winter to ensure they are completely extinguished.

For safe burning practices, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/fire or contact the Regional Fire Service 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.

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.

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.

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 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 Advisory	A fire advisory is issued if the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.

Fire Advisory

A fire advisory is issued if the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.

No Restriction	Normal burning rules apply.

No Restriction

Normal burning rules apply.

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Grande Prairie Forest Area

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 16, 2024

Posted on Mon, Sep 16, 2024

The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH. Warm weather and windy conditions have increased the wildfire risk. Alberta Wildfireare asking residents and visitors to use caution with fire and take steps to prevent wildfires.

No precipitation is forecasted for the next 24 hours, gusting winds are expected to continue into tomorrow. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly.

Wildfire Situation

So far this year, 104 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 434 hectares, two are listed as under control and all others have been extinguished. Of the 104 wildfires, 53 of them are consider lightning caused and 46 are human caused, 5 remain under investigation.

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations and more.

Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit to burn within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire.

Albertans can request a free fire permit by contacting their local forestry office or using the online Fire Permit Portal. Contact your local fire guardian or visit a Forestry office for a permit. Albertans living outside the FPA must contact their municipality or local authority for more information about fire permit requirements for burning. If you are planning on burning debris, it’s important to keep safe burning practices top of mind. Check your burn site for heat multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

Spirit River (780) 814 1983

Valleyview (780) 524 6576

County West (780) 814 1648

Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Wildfire Prevention

Make sure your campfire is fully extinguished. A campfire can burn deep into the ground and flare up again in dry or windy weather. Soak the ashes and stir them. Keep soaking the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Even if you are going for a short hike, make sure your campfire is out. Learn more here.

When wildfire danger is low to moderate, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily if fires are active and/or out of control. Expect your next wildfire update on September 18, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

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Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 16, 2024