The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now HIGH.

Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable. If you are out hunting and recreating this weekend, always use safe burning practices. When extinguishing a campfire: soak it, stir it, and soak it again. In the spring time, dry grass can ignite into a wildfire when campfires aren't properly extinguished. If you have a campfire remember to soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. The fire isn't out until it is cool to the touch.

Wildfire Situation

Since March 1, 2021 there have been 31 wildfires burning nearly 54 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

A fire advisory remains in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to drying conditions.

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are still valid.

• New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry fuels to ignite into a wildfires and spread easily.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burning

The hazard reduction burn for the community of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is complete for the 2021 season with over 63 hectares burned. Spring hazard reduction burning has lessen the risk of man-caused fires and help protect homes and community infrastructure from future wildfires.

Fire permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. To request your fire permit, contact the local forest area. Burning is not permitted during windy conditions. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.