Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 26, 2024

Posted on Wed, Jul 24, 2024

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

Cooler temperatures and widespread rain showers are providing some relief to the forest area.  The potential for numerous lightning caused fires will continue to be a concern over the next few days as winds are expecting to be gusty and forest fuels are extremely dry, any strikes may smolder. New lightning caused wildfires are possible; be alert when in the forest. 

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

GWF-062-24 EX

GWF062, July 22, 2024, lightning caused wildfire is now extinguished

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 71 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 200 hectares.  

At this time, 9 active wildfires are in the forest protection area, seven are listed as under control, two are being held. We are also assisting with one mutual aid fire at this time. 

Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status

For an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

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A fire ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Grande Prairie Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.

Alberta Parks implements fire bans in provincial parks and recreation areas. For information on current bans within the provincial parks, visit www.albertaparks.ca.

If you are found in violation of the ban, you could be fined up to $5,000 and held liable for all firefighting costs associated with an unintended wildfire. 

Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if a fire ban or restriction is in place in your area.


Fire Ban wide

Under this fire ban:

  • All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.

  • No new fire permits will be issued.

  • Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits.

  • Barbeque charcoal briquettes.

  • Fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed:

  • Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances.

  • Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.

  • Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

 

 

AEMA

 

Getting the information at the right time helps you respond quickly and appropriately. Get alerts by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app and visit alerts and advisories to learn what other alerting services are available.

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx for information on Evacuations and Alerts.

Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App: Apple  or  Google Play


When wildfire danger is low to moderate, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily if fires are active and/ or out of control.

Expect your next wildfire update on July 30, 2024, unless conditions change.


Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

 

 

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