The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is currently HIGH.
Exercise extreme caution in forested areas as warm temperatures, wind and the possibility of lightning create conditions that are favorable for wildfire ignition and spread.
Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke in a forested area.
Wildfire Update as of 4:30, May 22, 2017
Wildfire crews continue to assist the Wembley Fire Department with a mutual aid fire now under control. This wildfire was GPS today at 2.5 hectares with no further growth expected. Currently, a 20 person crew is working and we anticipate this fire will be extinguished today. The walking trails on the south end of the park are closed until the fire is extinguished. The Park day use areas and campgrounds continue to be open.
There have been 17 wildfires so far this season that have burned a total of 4.8 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Throughout the province of Alberta the 2018 wildfire season has seen 438 fires and burned a total of 1,507.06 hectares. See a current map of active wildfires here.
Staff were busy patrolling this May Long weekend and discovered Three abandon campfires. All it takes is one spark for things to go wrong. An abandoned campfire or a campfire built without safe clearance can turn a small fire into a fast moving wildfire.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act include fines up to $287 for abandoning campfires as well as for using fireworks and exploding targets in forested areas. Learn more about updates to the act and fine amounts here.
Remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Human caused wildfires are 100% preventable.
The Fire Advisory has been updated for the Grande Prairie Forest Area effective May 18, 2018.
- No new fire permits will be issued.
- Current permits remain valid, however please postpone any non-essential burning and follow the condition on the permit closely.
- Safe campfires are allowed.
No fire permits for heavy fuels will be issued until green up and significant precipitation occurs. Active permits are not affected at this time, but users are advised to review their permit requirements and ensure they are in compliance. Caution should be exercised during windy conditions. Small, safe cooking and warming (campfires) are allowed.
Remember you must evaluate the weather at your specific location. Get a permit and follow the conditions. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. If you live within the Forest Protection Area, please contact your local Forestry office to get a permit (780) 538-5560. Anyone living outside the Forest Protection Area can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements. Find more information on safe burning practices for brush piles and windrows here.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca