Fire advisory upgraded to a fire restriction

The City of Grande Prairie has upgraded the fire advisory issued in April to a fire restriction.

Effective as of noon today (Thursday, May 1), any open burning is prohibited, including smudge fires, burn barrels, campfires on public land and fire pits without a spark arrestor or screen.

However, indoor fires, along with any type of wood alternative fires are allowed, such as propane and gas fire pits, barbecues, smokers and open flame devices like tiki torches.

According to the City’s Fire Marshal Chris Renyk, this restriction was put into effect “to prevent human-caused wildfires,” as forecasted strong winds can spread fires quickly.