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Photo courtesy Alberta government
By Erika Rolling
Wildfire Danger

Fire Restriction issued for County of Grande Prairie

Sep 9, 2022 | 12:13 PM

The wildfire danger rating in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is currently very high.

Effective Friday, September 9, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Services has issued a Fire Restriction for the entire County and towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.

The Restriction has come into effect to replace the Fire Advisory issued on September 2.

The Bearhole Lake wildfire west of the provincial border is the cause of the upgrade, along with forecasted hot and dry conditions throughout the region.

Wood campfires can still be had in provincial campgrounds and on private property, but not on public land under the Restriction.

County Fire Marshal Ken Atamachuck says to only burn when necessary.

“With the high risk of wildfire across the region, we are asking residents to take all proper precautions,” he says.

Those who must burn must follow permit guidelines and safe burning practices, including always staying on site until burning is complete.

Residents are reminded that burning is never permitted when winds reach, or are forecasted to reach, 12 km per hour or higher.

by Erika Rolling