ALERT: Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will downgrade the Fire Restriction to a Fire Advisory for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
Town of Wembley Fire Advisories, Restrictions and Bans
Updated - June 24, 2025 at 13:20hrs
County Downgrades Fire Restriction to Fire Advisory
Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will downgrade the Fire Restriction to a Fire Advisory for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
“The recent precipitation combined with cooler temperatures has helped reduce the overall wildfire risk,” says County Chief Trevor Grant. “Conditions can still be dry in some areas, and wildfires can easily start under the right circumstances, so we’re asking residents to use caution with any outdoor burning.”
While the Fire Advisory is in effect, fire permits may be restricted.
Burning is not allowed when winds reach, or are forecasted to reach, 12 kilometres per hour or higher.
Landowners and industry members are strongly encouraged to continue to inspect any previously burned piles from the winter to confirm they are fully extinguished.
For up-to-date information on your area's fire advisories, restrictions, or bans, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.
For safe burning practices, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/fire or contact the Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.
| Fire Hazard Level | Description |
|---|---|
Fire Ban | A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, campgrounds, and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued. |
| Fire Restriction | A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. |
| Fire Advisory | A fire advisory is issued if the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve. |
| No Restriction | Normal burning rules apply. |
Fire Permits
Residents in the Town of Wembley do NOT require a fire permit for recreational fire pits. Fire advisories, Fire Restrictions and Fire Bans put in place by the County of Grande Prairie DO apply within Town limits. Industrial burn permits are issued on a case-by-case basis within town limits. For any questions regarding industrial burning, please contact the Wembley Fire Department directly at 780-766-3170.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of materials that are not permitted to be burned within Town limits.
Are you located outside the Town of Wembley? Residents in the County of Grande Prairie require a valid fire permit for any burning, including recreational fire pits, burn barrels, incinerators, and brush piles.
To contact a Fire Guardian about obtaining a fire permit in the County of Grande Prairie, click the link here - County of Grande Prairie Fire Guardians.
Town of Wembley Fire Pit Criteria
In the Town of Wembley, a residential fire pit must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of 3-metres (10ft) of clearance, measured from the nearest fire pit edge, is maintained from buildings, property lines, or other combustible material
- A minimum of one and a half times the height of the fire pit of noncombustible material surrounding the outer perimeter of the fire pit
- The fire pit height does not exceed 0.6 meters (2ft) when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening
- The fire pit opening does not exceed 1 meters (3ft) in width or in diameter when measured between the widest points or outside edges
- The fire pit installation has enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible materials
- A spark arrester mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (0.5") and constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent non-combustible material) is used to cover the fire opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne sparks
- The fire pit is not located over any underground utilities or under any above-ground wires
Forest Protection Area
Updated June 23, 2025
Moderate Wildfire Danger
The fire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is moderate.
Cooler temperatures and recent rain have reduced the overall risk. However, wildfires can still start, especially in dry areas or during windy conditions, so it is important to continue using caution with outdoor fires and do your part to prevent wildfires.
Wildfire Situation
GWF028 - The Hamelin Creek wildfire near Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
This wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated at 5,557 hectares in size. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved conditions on the ground, allowing firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters to make steady progress in identifying and suppressing hot spots. While progress is being made, the fire remains active, and conditions will continue to be closely monitored. The cause of this wildfire was determined to be lightning.
As the area continues to dry and temperatures rise, firefighters have observed some open flame on parts of the fire today. Hot spots that had been quiet over the past week may show increased activity as vegetation becomes more receptive to burning. Firefighters remain on site, ready to respond to any increase in fire activity and will continue to focus on extinguishing emerging hot spots.
Saddle Hills County Evacuation Alert
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park remains closed.
See Alberta Emergency Alert for evacuation alert information.
You can also visit the Saddle Hills County webpage or Facebook page for more information.
GWF040 - Wildfire South of Grande Prairie
Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to this wildfire, located approximately 78 km south of Grande Prairie and 19 km east of Highway 40. The wildfire is estimated at 247 hectares in size and remains classified as out of control.
Steep terrain has made some areas difficult to access, but firefighting crews, heavy equipment, and helicopters remain actively engaged. Recent rainfall over the past week has helped support firefighting efforts, slowing fire spread and improving firefighting operations. Firefighters continue to focus on strengthening containment lines and targeting hot spots.
GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River Wildfire
This wildfire, which originated in British Columbia, remains classified as being held. The wildfire is estimated at 26,315 hectares and is located near the Alberta–British Columbia border, approximately 68 km west of Grande Prairie.
Firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters remain active on this wildfire. Nighttime infrared scanning drones continue to be used to detect difficult-to-find hot spots so they can be extinguished. The wildfire’s perimeter is not expected to grow today, but small pockets of unburnt trees within the fire area may still ignite.
The BC Wildfire Service is the primary agency in command of working to contain this wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is supporting these efforts as needed. The incident management team is also working closely with the County of Grande Prairie and the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response.
For more information on this wildfire and others in B.C., visit the BC Wildfire Service website.
Grande Prairie Forest Area Statistics
Since January 1, there have been 47 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning a total of 5,822 hectares.
Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Fire ban and Restriction Update
All fire restrictions within the Grande Prairie Forest Area have been lifted. However, as we remain in wildfire season, it's important to continue safe burning practices.
Fire restrictions can vary depending on your location. Forest areas, municipalities, and provincial parks may each have their own fire advisory, restriction, or ban. For example, the County and City of Grande Prairie currently have fire restrictions in place while the Grande Prairie Forest Area does not.
Conditions can vary between regions. Forested areas may retain more moisture than open grassy fields, leading to different fire danger levels and the need for area-specific restrictions.
To stay informed, visit Alberta Fire Bans. You can also download the Alberta Fire Bans app, which uses your location to show the most up-to-date information near you.
Lightning-caused Wildfires
Lightning is typical this time of year and has been detected across our forest area, with the possibility of more throughout the week. This increases the potential for new wildfire starts. Lightning-caused wildfires can smoulder beneath the surface for several days before becoming active and visible when conditions are favourable, particularly during dry and windy weather.
If you see smoke or other signs of wildfire activity, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3743). Early reporting helps firefighters respond more quickly and reduces the risk of wildfire spread.
Published on June 23, 2025 14:17hrs via: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-update-grande-prairie-forest-area
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TODAY'S FIRE DANGER FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE AREA IS