Fire advisories in place

There have been six new wildfires start since January 1 that have burned 74 hectares. Four are out, one is under control, and one has been turned over.

There are also five active holdover fires from last year.

There is also a fire advisory in place for the Peace River Forest Area.

New permits will only be issued for essential burning and on a case by case basis. Exiting permits are still valid.

There have been six new fires since January 1 and just over 2.5 hectares have burned. Two are under control and three are being held.

The County of Grande Prairie has issued its own fire advisory, one that includes Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.

It says this is being done because of the dry conditions.

The county is asking anyone doing burning to follow safe practices and permit guidelines.

City Hall in Grande Prairie has also issued its own fire advisory.

Current permits remain valid. New ones are given out on a car by case basis.

The following are all allowed:

Safe wood campfires *

• Backyard fire pits

• Portable propane fire pits

• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

• *Safe wood campfires – should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring.

They are required to:

· Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

· Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving.

· Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.

· Safe wood campfires on private lands include the following, private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas

· Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

by Curtis Galbraith

Fire advisories in place

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