City & County-wide fire ban to go into effect Thursday

May 28, 2025 | 11:29 AM

The City and County of Grande Prairie says a fire ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday May 29.

This is due to extreme fire conditions in the region. It will also include annexed rural areas.

Activities that are permitted under the fire ban are:

Propane and natural gas barbecues
Propane and natural gas firepits
Propane and natural gas appliances
Indoor wood fireplaces
Wood pellet smokers and barbecues with safety shut-off
Open flame oil devices (including tiki torches)

Activities that are not permitted are:

Open burning
Burn barrels
Residential fire pits (even with screens)
Smudge fires
Wood campfires of all kinds in parks or public lands
Fireworks (not permitted without written authorization)

City Fire Marshal Chris Renyk said in a news release; “In these extreme conditions, even a single spark from a tool, a vehicle, or a cigarette can ignite a fire.”

“It’s no longer about how big the flame is—it’s about whether it exists at all. We need full cooperation to prevent avoidable emergencies.”

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Residents are being urged to use caution and adhere to the guidelines to prevent the risk of wildfire.

by Erika Rolling