The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie region is currently LOW. Though recent rain has lowered the fire hazard it is still important to ensure that everyone does their part to prevent wildfires this weekend. We are also on the lookout for lightning fires throughout the area as stormy weather continues.

How do Off-highway vehicles start wildfires? Off-highway vehicle (OHV) exhaust is extremely hot, reaching temperatures of 204 Celsius, the flash point for most forest fuels. When riders travel through wet areas, muskeg can build up on the exhaust and next to the engine hot spots. As the rider travels, the muskeg dries out and is ignited by the hot engine. These burning pieces of muskeg fall off into dry grass causing a wildfire.

If you spot a wildfire or see smoke in a forested area please call 310-FIRE immediately to ensure that crews and resources are able to respond as soon as possible.

The Forest and Prairie Protection Act include fines up to $287 for abandoning campfires as well as for using fireworks and exploding targets in forested areas. Learn more about updates to the act and fine amounts here.

BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

Call our office in advance of when you would like to burn in order to give our staff time to make arrangements to come out to your site and issue your permit.  For more information on fire permits or to obtain one call the Grande Prairie office at (780) 538-5560.
Burning is not permitted during windy conditions. Remember that you must evaluate the weather at your specific location and follow the conditions stated on your permit. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. All permits must be completely extinguished before they expire.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.  For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

 

           

 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca