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 - August 28, 2025 at 11:40
Fire Restriction In Effect - Friday August 29th 2025 @ 13:00hrs
Effective at 1pm on Friday, August 29, 2025, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will be putting a fire restriction in place for the County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
Under the restriction, wood campfires on public land are prohibited, but campfires on private property, with a valid permit, as well as campfires inside provincial campgrounds are allowed. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. View all current fire restrictions and bans in place across the province at www.albertafirebans.ca.
| 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 limits of Wembley do NOT require a fire permit for recreational fire pits. However, Fire advisories, Fire Restrictions and Fire Bans put in place by the County of Grande Prairie DO apply within Town limits. It is your responsibility to ensure you know when, where and what you can burn. Always check verified websites or sources for information related to fire bans. For the Town of Wembley or the County of Grande Prairie, you can find always find updated information related to burning by visiting https://www.countygp.ab.ca/en/living-in-our-community/fire-bans.aspx or by typing "County of Grande Prairie Fire Bans" into your search engine.
When in doubt, call the Wembley Fire Department or the County of Grande Prairie directly.
Wembley Fire Department: 780-766-3170
County of Grande Prairie Administration Building: 780-532-9722
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, or to learn more about the Wembley Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 735.
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
Published on August 27, 2025
Very High Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger is now very high in the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to hot temperatures and dry conditions. Please use extra caution when working or spending time outdoors, as a wildfire can ignite easily and spread quickly.
Wildfire Situation
There are currently 5 active wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Four are classified as under control and one is classified as being held.
To view details on active wildfires in the province, visit the interactive wildfire map or download the Alberta Wildfire app.
GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River Wildfire
The Kiskatinaw River wildfire, which started in British Columbia on May 28, remains classified as being held. It is estimated at 26,195 hectares (ha) in size and is located along the Alberta–British Columbia border, approximately 68 km west of Grande Prairie. This wildfire was caused by lightning.
Please be aware that the BC Wildfire Service has an Area Restriction in place that limits access to some areas on the B.C. side of the border.
The BC Wildfire Service is leading the response to this wildfire, with Alberta Wildfire providing support as needed.
For more information on this wildfire and others in B.C., visit the BC Wildfire Service website.
Fire Advisory
A fire advisory is now in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid. Remember fire permits are not valid in winds over 12 km/h.
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
This advisory will remain in place until conditions improve.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the advisory area on a map. You can also download the Alberta Fire Bans app.
Farming and Agriculture Equipment
Farm work can cause wildfires, even when the weather is cold, rainy or snowy, there is still a risk of agricultural wildfires. Dry vegetation and crop residue is highly flammable. Take extra precautions to prevent fires on the farm:
- Keep machinery clean. Clear out any debris around hot spots and pinch points.
- Maintain electrical components and equipment.
- Grease mobile components of equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations.
- Regularly clean air filters.
- Regularly check coolant and oil levels.
- Keep a full, up to date ABC fire extinguisher in or near the cab and know how to use it.
- Read the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide to learn more about farm fire safety.
Published on August 27, 2025 12:00 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
__________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S FIRE DANGER FOR THE TOWN OF WEMBLEY AND AREA IS