The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now MODERATE.
With current and expected forecast for frequent showers, cool temperatures, light winds and high humidity’s through the weekend and early next week, the Fire Advisory for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is lifted effective 16:30 August 24, 2018. However any requests for burning of heavy fuels will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information on fire permits or to obtain one call the Grande Prairie office at (780) 538-5560.
Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. 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.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 35 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area that have burned a total of approximately 13 hectares. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca. Provincially, the 2018 wildfire season has seen 1, 173 fires burn a total of 58,531.57 hectares.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca
COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH ALL CAMPFIRES
Whenever possible use an existing campfire facility such as stoves, rings and pits for your campfire. These facilities are available in many campgrounds
and recreation area and are designed to help contain a fire and prevent it from spreading. If no campfire facilities are available there are some easy steps you can take to help ensure your campfire is safe:
- Find a suitable spot not under a tree.
- Dig or scrape a pit down to mineral soil.
- Surround the pit with rocks, gravel or sand.
- Remove any vegetation or flammable materials surrounding the pit.
- Ensure you have water on hand or nearby.
- Build up slowly with kindling.
- Add wood carefully, being careful not to stir up embers or sparks.
- Keep your fire small.
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.
LEARN HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE FROM WILDFIRE
- Protecting your home from wildfire starts with simple actions. Whether you are doing regular yard maintenance or making large scale changes during renovations or landscaping, you can make choices that will help protect your home from wildfire.
- You can find out more about how to determine if your home is FireSmart and some actions you can take to protect your home on the FireSmart Canada website
BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
- Fire permits are free and you can get more information or request a fire permit by calling our Grande Prairie Fire Center office.
- However any requests for burning of heavy fuels will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information on fire permits or to obtain one call the Grande Prairie office at (780) 538-5560.
- 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.
- 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.