A fire ban is now in effect for the City of Grande Prairie, including annexed rural areas, as of 9 a.m. on Monday, May 5 due to extreme fire conditions.
Permitted activities:
- Propane and natural gas barbecues.
- Propane and natural gas firepits.
- Propane and natural gas appliances.
- Indoor wood fireplaces.
- Wood pellet smokers and barbecues with safety shut-off.
- Open flame oil devices (including tiki torches).
Prohibited activities:
- Open burning.
- Burn barrels.
- Residential fire pits (even with screens).
- Smudge fires.
- Wood campfires of all kinds in parks or public lands.
- Fireworks (not permitted without written authorization).
“Implementing a fire ban is a necessary step to protect our community, first responders and natural surroundings,” said City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Fire Marshal, Chris Renyk. “This ban is not just a regulation, but a public safety measure and we ask that all residents exercise caution while taking proactive steps to help keep our region safe from wildfires.”
High heat, dry vegetation and wind mean any spark could start a wildfire. Fires are harder to control and can spread quickly through flying embers, which may land and ignite spot fires up to several kilometres away under current conditions.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Residents are urged to exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines to prevent the risk of wildfires.
Further information can be found at albertafirebans.ca or at cityofgp.com/firebans.