Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

City of Grande Prairie

City encourages residents to “do their part” this wildfire season

Apr 16, 2024 | 12:33 PM

The City of Grande Prairie wants residents to be “proactive in mitigating fire hazards,” when it comes to wildfire season and fire emergencies.

The city says due to the lower-than-normal snowfall this year, the potential for wildfires is heightened, which requires residents to create “proactive steps to ensure community safety and property protection.”

Now, preparations are underway for a hotter and drier season, and the city would like residents to do the same.

Residents are asked to stay informed on current wildfire dangers and prepare for what to do when they see a fire; how to report it, and how to be ready for a fire emergency.

In a release, Grande Prairie Fire Chief Mark VanWerkhoven said “If you see an uncontrolled fire in the city, keep yourself safe and call 911 immediately. Be prepared to describe your location and the location of the fire in reference to you.”

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The city added these steps are especially important for residents who live near a wildland-urban interface, forested city parks or ravines as these areas come with increased fire dangers.

The Grande Prairie Fire Department also provided a list of tips for residents to reference throughout the wildfire season:

• Clearing debris and flammable vegetation from around homes and properties.
• Creating emergency kits containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, medical supplies, battery-operated or wind-up flashlights, and important documents. This kit should last for up to 72 hours.
• Pruning all tree branches within two metres of the ground and planting new trees at least three metres apart.
• Make sure all smoking materials, butts, and ash are out completely out by dousing them with water or sand prior to putting them in the garbage.
• Have an emergency plan for you, your family, and your pets. You can also get your pet licensed through the city’s Animal Licensing, in case of separation.
• Consider purchasing an air purifier or masks to combat smoke in the air.
• Use safe recreational practices when using ATVs or other off-road vehicles.
• Stay informed about local wildfire alerts, fire bans, and follow any evacuation orders issued by signing up for notifications from the AEMA app at Alberta Emergency Alerts, Access GP, Alberta Fire Bans, AB Wildfire Status app, and Smoke Forecast.

In that same release, Mayor Jackie Clayton asked all residents to play their part in staying informed and prepared.

“I encourage everyone to look at the information on fire safety measures provided by our dedicated Grande Prairie Fire Department at cityofgp.com/fire, so we can all do our part to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer in the city.”