The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now MODERATE. After receiving a significant amount of rainfall earlier this week the forecast is now calling for warmer temperatures and decreasing relative humidity values which will continue to increase the wildfire hazard throughout the weekend.
Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable. If you are out hunting and recreating this weekend, always use safe burning practices. When extinguishing a campfire: soak it, stir it, and soak it again. In the spring time, dry grass can ignite into a wildfire when campfires aren't properly extinguished. If you have a campfire remember to soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. The fire isn't out until it is cool to the touch
Off-Highway Vehicle Safety
Off-highway vehicle exhausts can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. This is hot enough to dry out even wet, muddy debris and cause it to catch fire. This debris then drops off the vehicle and can end up starting a wildfire.
Ride debris free to prevent wildfires. Check hot spots periodically and clean off any built up muddy or grassy debris.
- County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648
- Spirit River – (780) 814-1983
- Valleyview – (780) 524-6576
Fireworks and Exploding Targets
The use of fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. The debris caused when fireworks and exploding targets are detonated are hot and risk causing a wildfire when they come into contact with fuels in the forest, such as dry grass.
'If you are found to be responsible for starting a wildfire, you may have to pay a $600 fine or worse, the cost of fighting the wildfire.’ Learn more about The Forest and Prairie Protection Act here.