Wildfire Update - May 8, 2020
The wildfire danger rating for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is Moderate. There are currently no wildfires burning in the area.
Since March 1, there have been 10 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning more than 6.0 hectares. Two of these wildfires have been turned over to the responsible parties, and all others have been extinguished.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
Although some moderate rain showers were received this week low humidity and gusty winds will quickly raise the fire danger rating at this time of year. It is imperative that people stay vigilant, stay alert, and take extra precautions when working or recreating outdoors. It takes all of us to prevent wildfires, please do your part.
Did you do any brush burning this winter? Check your winter burn sites for possible holdover fires. Winter burns can holdover without any signs of smoke or flame and come back to life especially on dry windy days. Please check for holdover fires by digging deep into the ashes and feeling for heat.
To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473)
FIRE BAN IN EFFECT
There is a fire ban in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, as well as in Alberta provincial parks and protected areas, until further notice.
Fire permits are currently suspended or cancelled. Some allowances are possible for essential agricultural and industrial burning with the approval of a forest officer.
Prohibited
• wood campfires on public lands
• wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
• backyard firepits
• barbeques with charcoal briquettes
Allowed
• propane / natural gas powered appliances
• open flame CSA approved oil devices
• wood fires in an enclosed facility or device, which have a chimney with a spark arrestor
• OHVs
** All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An enclosed facility or device is one that is fully contained with a chimney that has a spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.
OHV Usage
Currently there are no off-highway vehicle restrictions in place for the Grande Prairie Forest Protection area. An OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta in the High Level Forest Area, Peace River Forest Area, the northwestern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area and the rural areas surrounding Fort McMurray.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fire Ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 1-866-394-3473
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Apps:
Social Media:
