Posted on Fri, Aug 01, 2014 @ 01:30 PM
The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie area is HIGH. Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. Residents and visitors are asked to take extra care in the forested areas as wildfire can start easily and spread quickly under the current conditions
Smoky Conditions in the Area
Our area has been experiencing some smoky conditions due to fires burning in the Britsh Columbia interior. Information about the air quality in Alberta is updated frequently through Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index. Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333. If you have any smoke related health concerns or questions please contact Alberta Health Link at 1-866-408-5465.
You can also check here for wildfire smoke forecasts for Western Canada.
If you are going out quadding this weekend, remember to regularly check your quad for debris that could fall off and start a wildfire. If you spot a wildfire call 310-FIRE.
Current Wildfires
In the last 24 hours there have been 27 new wildfires and Alberta currently has 35 wildfires inside the Forest Protection Area. One is out of control, 12 are being held, 20 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since April 1, 2014, Alberta has recorded 1015 new wildfires which have burned 17066.67 hectares.
The out of control wildfire is in the Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area. It is located 65 kilometres southeast of Fort Chipewyan and is approximately 600 hectares in size
Red Deer Creek Wildfire
Grande Prairie Wildfire 44 is Being Held. Currently the fire is over 33,000 Ha in total size with just over 3,000 Ha on the Alberta side of the border. There are almost 400 firefighters and fire experts, along with heavy equipment and 15 helicopters working on the Red Deer Creek wildfire.
Crews continue to focus on extinguishing any hot spots identified by high-altitude infrared scanning.
Travellers should be cautious in on the Two Lakes Road. Firefighters and heavy equipment are working in the area. Visibility may also be limited due to smoke.
In British Columbia, there is an area restriction order. Here is a map of the restricted area. Access permits are required for the area. For more information from BC Wildfire Management Branch, please see the Red Deer Creek Wildfire update.
For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the Alberta Wildfire app for Apple devices and now for Android devices.
For more information from Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, check out the department's blog!
Richard Horne | Wildfire Information Officer
Grande Prairie Wildfire Management Area
780-886-7788
