Residents in the Town of Wembley do NOT require a fire permit for recreational fire pits. Fire advisories, Fire Restrictions and Fire Bans put in place by the County of Grande Prairie DO apply within Town limits. Industrial burn permits are issued on a case-by-case basis within town limits. For any questions regarding industrial burning, please contact the Wembley Fire Department directly at 780-766-3170.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of materials that are not permitted to be burned within Town limits.
Are you located outside the Town of Wembley? Residents in the County of Grande Prairie require a valid fire permit for any burning, including recreational fire pits, burn barrels, incinerators, and brush piles.
To contact a Fire Guardian about obtaining a fire permit in the County of Grande Prairie, click the link here - County of Grande Prairie Fire Guardians.
Town of Wembley Fire Pit Criteria
In the Town of Wembley, a residential fire pit must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of 3-metres (10ft) of clearance, measured from the nearest fire pit edge, is maintained from buildings, property lines, or other combustible material
- A minimum of one and a half times the height of the fire pit of noncombustible material surrounding the outer perimeter of the fire pit
- The fire pit height does not exceed 0.6 metres (2ft) when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening
- The fire pit opening does not exceed 1 metre (3ft) in width or in diameter when measured between the widest points or outside edges
- The fire pit installation has enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible materials
- A spark arrester mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (0.5") and constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent non-combustible material) is used to cover the fire opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne sparks
- The fire pit is not located over any underground utilities or under any above-ground wires
FIRE ADVISORIES IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Updated - April 15, 2025
Fire Advisory Issued for the County of Grande Prairie and Surrounding Towns
The County of Grande Prairie has issued a fire advisory for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, effective at 3:00 p.m. today until further notice.
The advisory is in effect due to current and forecasted weather conditions and increased dry grass hazards throughout the region.
While existing fire permits are still valid, Fire Services will be evaluating any new permit requests over the coming days on a case-by-case basis.
Landowners and industry members are strongly encouraged to inspect any previously burned piles from the winter to confirm they are fully extinguished.
Safe campfires for cooking and warmth are still permitted, but extreme caution is urged, especially with forecasted strong winds. As a reminder, burning is not allowed when winds reach, or are forecasted to reach, 12 kilometres per hour or higher.
For up-to-date information on your area's fire advisories, restrictions, or bans, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.
Backgrounder
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 Advisory: 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 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.
FOREST PROTECTION AREA
Updated - April 18, 2025
The fire danger is anticipated to increase as snow melts and dead dry grass and vegetation become exposed. Dry vegetation could catch easily and burn quickly, keep watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE
IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET A PERMIT
Alberta’s wildfire season starts on March 1. This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except campfires. Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office:
In Grande Prairie, Grovedale or County West, call 780-814-1648
In Spirit River, call 780-814-1983
In Valleyview, call 780-524-6576
Prevent spring wildfires
To prevent spring wildfires, we urge residents and industry to return to their burn piles and ensure they are fully extinguished.
Spread out the remaining material.
Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
You can also watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.
Published on April 9, 2025 10:05 am
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TODAY'S FIRE DANGER FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE AREA IS