Photo: dreamstime.com

By Shane Clausing

fire season

Fire crews reminding residents to be campfire smart this season

Apr 24, 2021 | 7:00 AM

As the weather warms and people begin to adventure outside, fire crews are reminding residents to be “fire smart” this season.

Ken Atamanchuk is a fire marshal with the County of Grande Prairie. He says there are some things residents need know before having a fire.

“Step one is having an approved pit. Step two is making sure the area around it (the fire pit) has gravel or bare soil for embers that might come out of your fire pit.”

“The third thing is that you have to be a minimum of ten feet away from any standing structure. You want to have an open area so there’s nothing close to it. You always want to make sure you have a screen (for your pit) so there’s some sort of protection should someone trip or fall.”

Atamanchuk mentioned there always should be one person watching the fire at all times when it is burning, to make sure if any problems arise, then that person can attempt to fix it.

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When you’re done with a fire for the night, Atamanchuk stresses it is important to make sure the fire is completely out.

“Before you leave, make sure that fire is out. Pour water and stir it, pour water again and stir it. You want to make sure when it’s done there is no heat coming off of those coals. Especially in the back country.”

Atamanchuk tells EverythingGP doing this step in the springtime, especially in the backcountry, is critical as the grass is still dry and a loose spark or coal could start a massive fire in a matter of minutes.

He pointed to the Slave Lake wildfire in 2011 as an example of just how quickly a small fire can burst into a major wildfire.

Residents in the County and City of Grande Prairie are also reminded that during fire season, you are required to have a permit.

Both County and City residents can apply for a fire permit online at their websites.