Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update - August 31, 2023

Posted on Thu, Aug 31, 2023

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The wildfire danger is HIGH in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. A fire advisory is now in effect. Please use caution in forested areas, as a wildfire can start quickly and spread easily. 

We ask Albertans to be extremely cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta this upcoming long weekend. While it may feel like summer is coming to an end, wildfire season doesn’t officially end until October 31. Wildfires can start any time of year.

We ask hunters and recreationalists to make sure they fully extinguish their cooking and warming fires once they are done by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they're cool to the touch.

fire advisory wide

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to warm, dry, and windy conditions.

Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
  • New fire permits will still be issued on a case-by-case basis

Prohibited:

  • Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Allowed:

  • Safe wood campfires
  • Backyard fire pits
  • Portable propane fire pits
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the exact area covered under this fire advisory.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.


Wildfire Situation

There are currently eight wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. All of these wildfires are under control (UC).

Since January 1, there have been 62 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA), burning nearly 141,400 hectares. 

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.

Find the latest information on all active fire advisories check Alberta Fire Bans.

2022 OHV Can cause wildfires Dirt Bike

GWF018 is classified as under control (UC) at 49,328 hectares. It is being managed by the Peace River Forest Area. 

GWF019 is known as the Bald Mountain fire. It is classified as under control (UC) at 19,435 hectares. This wildfire is approximately 17 kilometers west of Highway 40.

GWF027 is classified as under control (UC) at 54,988 hectares.

GWF039 is located approximately 60 km southwest of Grovedale. It is classified as under control (UC) at 94 hectares. 

GWF049 is located 17 km east of Valleyview and is currently classified as under control (UC) at 50 hectares.

GWF017 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)

GWF017 is classified as under control (UC) at 5,479 hectares. 

GWF023 is classified as under control (UC) at 3,889 hectares.

GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex (GCX002)

GWF035 is located 20 km north of Valhalla Center, near the northeast side of Boone Lake. This wildfire is 872 hectares in size and is classified as under control (UC). 

GWF038 is located 10 km west of Deadwood Lake, in Township 77-10. This wildfire is 7,148 hectares and classified as under control (UC).


Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit to burn within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. 

Do not burn during windy conditions. You must evaluate the weather at your specific location and follow the conditions on your permit. You are responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. Extinguish all fire before the permit expires.  Albertans can request a free fire permit by contacting their local forestry office or using the online Fire Permit Portal. Contact your local fire guardian or visit a Forestry office for a permit.

Spirit River                      (780) 814 1983

Valleyview                       (780) 524 6576

County West                   (780) 814 1648

Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.


Wildfire Prevention

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry fuels to ignite into a wildfire.

Wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility. Be careful with fire and limit the number of human caused wildfires in our area. Fire and weather conditions can change quickly, and the public is encouraged to visit Alberta Fire Bans and check the weather before heading out. 


For more information contact:

Kelly Burke 
Grande Prairie Forest Area
Area Information Officer
(780) 832-7235
 
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

Information line: 1-866-394-3473


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