Grande Prairie Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH.

A fire Restriction is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Strong winds gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour have been forecasted , and in these windy conditions, wildfires will spread very quickly through dried, cured grasses.  If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.    

(Mutual aid Municipal District of Greenview No. 16GMD-001, Assistance ended - 4/23/2024)

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 21 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 80 hectares.  Of the 21 wildfires, 19 have been extinguished, one is listed as turned over to the responsible parties and one under control.

2023 carryover wildfires

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burn

The Sturgeon Lake fire department is again conducting hazard reduction burning. Burning will continue until it is determined to be unsafe. Hazard reduction burning is done in a controlled manner with trained professionals with appropriate equipment onsite.

To date nearly 43 hectares of dead grass have been removed from around the community. Where hazard reduction burning has been carried out, we know that it slows the spread of fires, reduces their intensity, and lowers the potential for spot fires. 

(GH04 crew- Mop-up operations GMD001)

A fire restriction is in effect for all of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, excluding the Calgary Forest Area.

• Under this restriction:
  -       Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
  -       Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
   
  Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
  -       All outdoor wood fires.
  -       Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
  -       The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
   
  Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
  -       Safe wood campfires.
  -       Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
  -       Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
   
  Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
  
  If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
  

• For more information: Fire Restriction Fact Sheet

  The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

  Stay informed on fire restrictions and fire bans in your area bay checking www.albertafirebans.ca

Did you know flare stacks require a minimum of 100 feet between them and any combustible materials? If sites aren’t maintained with this in mind, grassfires can and do start from flares. The 100 feet distance requirement is outlined under the Forest Prairie & Protection Regulation (section 14). The Government of Alberta, forest companies, industrial operators and other stakeholders all play a vital role in preventing wildfires.