By Shaun Penner

Amended fire ban

County now allowing fires in permitted, permanent recreational fire pits

Apr 17, 2020 | 9:20 PM

The County of Grande Prairie has amended its fire ban to now allow fires in permanent recreational fire pits, as long as they are properly permitted.

The new amendment comes following Thursday’s announcement that a full fire and OHV ban had been put in place across the County.

This means any property owner that has a fire permit in the County, Town of Beaverlodge, Wembley and Sexsmith, as well as the Village of Hythe, may have a backyard fire in a permanent fire pit.

“We’re constantly monitoring the risk of wildfire to strike the right balance between recreation and safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Fire Marshal Ken Atamanchuk. “This means continually assessing activities to ensure they don’t pose any increased risks.”

“It is absolutely critical during the COVID-19 pandemic that we reduce the possibility of another disaster that would put additional strain on not only fire resources but all emergency management.”

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According to the County, a permanent recreational fire pit is defined as “those that are permanently located, such as fire pits mounted in the ground surrounded by gravel and pavers or other non-combustible materials.”

The County adds they will automatically renew any permit for any permanent recreational fire pits that has been permitted within the last two years.

With these changes, the County has provided a list of what is and is not permitted under the fire and OHV ban.

Permitted:

• Gas barbecues
• Propane fire pits
• Permitted permanent recreational fire pits
• Permit requests to burn crops for agricultural purposes will be accepted

Prohibited:

• Outdoor or open fires (except permitted permanent recreational fire pits)
• Burning barrels
• Fireworks
• Exploding targets
• Temporary fire pits
• Recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on public lands

Existing burn permits that do not fall under the permitted category have been suspended. The fire ban will be in place until further notice.

Failure to comply with the fire ban could result in a $5,000 fine as well as charges for the cost of responses, according to the County.

Fires in permitted, permanent fire pits are also allowed in the City of Grande Prairie.