By Liam Verster

OHV ban lifted

County lifts OHV ban, fire ban remains in place

Apr 20, 2020 | 12:17 PM

The County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service has lifted the ban on off-highway vehicles (OHV), though the ban on open fires remains in place.

In a press release, the County Fire Marshal, Ken Atamanchuk, calls this an unprecedented situation, and that steps must be taken to make sure a wildfire is not started.

“Remember to check for hot spots on your OHV and continue to practice social distancing out on the trails.”

The County also says that while the Fire Service is monitoring the wildfire risk, they are also assessing the risks presented by the novel coronavirus. They say another disaster would put a lot of strain on the fire and emergency resources, and ask the public to take steps to prevent fires.

Meanwhile, the fire ban remains in place for the County, the towns of Sexsmith , Beaverlodge and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe. All open fires are banned, including temporary fire pits, burning barrels, wood fires in engineered facilities in campgrounds, fireworks and exploding targets, and fires within County operated parks and campgrounds.

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Permanent recreational fire pits (which have a valid permit), gas barbecues and propane fire pits are allowed during the fire ban.

The County adds that no new fire permits will likely not be issued in most cases. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each request will need to consider the safety of fire personnel, and meet the criteria set out on the County’s website. Permanent recreational fire pits permitted within the last two years will be granted automatic renewals.