The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now HIGH. There are currently no fire advisories, restrictions or fire bans in place. Strong winds have been forecasted, which will make fire ignitions more likely and wildfires may spread quickly. Please continue to exercise caution and if you spot a wildfire or see smoke in a forested area please call 310-FIRE immediately to ensure that crews and resources are able to respond as soon as possible.
This wildfire season the Grande Prairie Forest Area has had 32 wildfires, burning more than 13 hectares. Only six of these fires are a result of lightning, all others were human caused and 100 percent preventable. Please do your part to prevent wildfires.
COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH ALL CAMPFIRES
Whenever possible use an existing campfire facility such as stoves, rings and pits for your campfire. These facilities are available in many campgrounds and recreation area and are designed to help contain a fire and prevent it from spreading. If no campfire facilities are available there are some easy steps you can take to help ensure your campfire is safe:
- Find a suitable spot not under a tree.
- Dig or scrape a pit down to mineral soil.
- Surround the pit with rocks, gravel or sand.
- Remove any vegetation or flammable materials surrounding the pit.
- Ensure you have water on hand or nearby.
- Build up slowly with kindling.
- Add wood carefully, being careful not to stir up embers or sparks.
- Keep your fire small.
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.
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.
BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
- Fire permits are free and you can get more information or request a fire permit by calling our Grande Prairie Fire Center office.
- However any requests for burning of heavy fuels will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information on fire permits or to obtain one call the Grande Prairie office at (780) 538-5560.
- Call our office in advance of when you would like to burn in order to give our staff time to make arrangements to come out to your site and issue your permit.
- Remember that you must evaluate the weather at your specific location and follow the conditions stated on your permit. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area.
- All permits must be completely extinguished before they expire.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.
Crystal Burrows | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 618-6215
crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca