The County of Grande Prairie has joined the city in implementing a complete fire ban for the region due to the recent extreme heat in the area.
The County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, like most of the rest of the province, issued a fire ban effective 4:00 p.m. on July 10th, for the entire county including the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.
Alberta Forestry issued a fire ban for the entire Forest Protected Area of Alberta on July 10th due to what officials are calling an “extreme” fire hazard, being the hot, dry conditions throughout most of Alberta.
Under the ban, existing fire permits are revoked and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted; however, some allowances can be made for “essential” agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.
All outdoor fires are prohibited under the ban including the use of charcoal barbecues, open pit burning, burning barrels, burning refuse, and fireworks. The use of propane appliances such as barbecues is still permitted.
The county says the ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
