Grande Prairie Area Update

Winter can be a safer time for burning due to the reduced risk of wildfires, but it still requires careful planning and consideration to prevent smoke from negatively impacting surrounding areas.

Understanding Inversions

On particularly cold days, weather events like inversions can cause smoke to stay close to the ground and travel for long distances. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer air traps cold air beneath it, preventing smoke from dispersing upwards. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions and impact the health of nearby communities due to the accumulation of smoke in the air.

Guidelines for Safe Winter Burns

1. Avoid Burning During Inversions
   Do not burn when an inversion is in effect or is forecasted. Inversions trap smoke near the surface, causing air quality issues and safety hazards.

2. Consult Local Authorities
   Before undertaking large winter burns, especially near communities or roadways, check with local authorities. Ask for guidance on how to manage smoke and minimize the impacts of burning.

3. Manage Burns Actively
   Carefully monitor and control your burn to minimize the duration and intensity of smoke. The longer the burn lasts, the more smoke it produces, so managing the burn efficiently is crucial.

4. Burn in Stages
   To adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce the amount of smoke released at once, burn debris in smaller, controlled stages.

5. Monitor Weather Conditions
   Pay attention to weather forecasts. Lower temperatures and light winds often lead to stronger inversions. The ideal burning conditions typically include temperatures above freezing and winds of at least 5 km/h.

By taking these steps, you can reduce the negative effects of winter burning on air quality and ensure that your burning practices are both effective and safe for the surrounding environment and communities.

For further details, refer to guidelines on brush piles and windrows: safe burning practices.

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