There are currently no wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Since March 1, 2018 there have been 17 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area that have burned a total of approximately 5 hectares. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

Provincial Stats:

• There are currently 32 wildfires in the of Alberta. Six wildfires are out of control (OC), six are being held (BH), 14 wildfires are under control (UC) and six wildfires have been turned over to the responsible parties. 

• Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 529 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 29,216.44 hectares.

The existing Fire Advisory will remain in place for our area.  Every precaution is needed to ensure no new wildfires are started placing additional strain on the province's firefighting resources. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly. Residents and visitors to the Grande Prairie Forest Area are urged to be extra cautious with any burning at this time.

For more information visit Alberta Fire Bans

 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. 

Check Alberta Fire Bans for the most up to date information on advisories, restrictions and bans in your area. 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. Be sure to put out your campfire before leaving.  Soak it, stir it and soak it again.  

DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES THIS SPRING

Re-check burns sites. Check your burn sites for smoke, flame or smoldering debris. If you find smoldering debris stir it up and search for hot spots that may be buried in the ground. Then use water to soak it, stir it, and soak it again, until the area is cool to the touch. To help ensure deep burning is extinguished you can use a metal probe and insert it into the ground. This is particularly helpful in areas of deep peat. Find more information on safe burning practices for brush piles and windrows here.

Ride debris free. An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smoldering and fall to the ground as you drive away. You can help prevent a wildfire by stopping frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.

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