By Glory Przekop

Wildfires sparked by lightning in Grande Prairie Forest Area

May 20, 2018 | 8:40 PM

There have been eight wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area this long weekend. According to officials, crews are working to put out four lightning sparked wildfires and the flames are not expected to get past predetermined boundaries.

Since the start of wildfire season, March 1, there have been 15 wildfires with five hectares of land burned.

The wildfire danger remains at MODERATE.

Tips for preventing wildfires:

– Keep campfires small and under control. Don’t leave them unattended. Do not leave your camp spot at the end of the weekend without soaking your fire, stirring it up and soaking it again. Fires are not out until they are cold to the touch. Always have a water source nearby. If one is not available, be sure to have a large container of water designated for keeping your campfire under control and extinguishing it.

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– Be mindful if operating off-highway vehicles in grassy areas. In just five minutes of idling, quad engines can reach over 200 degrees. Grass build up will ignite at these temperatures. Clear your machine hot spots frequently. Watch along your path for smoke or smoldering grass. Hunters, campers and farmers need to be mindful with fires and Off High Way Vehicle (OHV) and Farm Machinery exhaust.

– Report Wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3743). If you spot smoke or fire in the forest  
Recent amendments to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act include fines for abandoning campfires as well as for using fireworks and exploding targets in forested areas.