The wildfire danger is now MODERATE for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Widespread showers were able to lower the fire danger but areas that did not receive heavy down pour and thunderstorms still are very dry and the fire danger will continue to increase.
Wildfire smoke continues to blanket our area and has caused lower visibility today. Cooler temperatures combined with lower wind speed and higher humidity will help firefighting efforts in the coming days.
Weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain. Lightning caused wildfires are expected in the coming days and weeks in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Wildfire Situation
There are currently 12 wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires, three are classified as out of control (OC), one is being held (BH) and eight are under control (UC).
Since January 1st, there have been 50 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA) burning nearly 141,383 hectares. There has been two wildfires in the last 24 hours.
Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke. Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Forecast of wildfire smoke can be found at Fire Smoke Canada.
(Pictured GWF 049 some areas of this fire received rain last night and the smoking areas did not.)
GWF049 is located 17 km east of Valleyview and is currently classified as out of control (OC) at 40 hectares. This wildfire was reported by a 310-FIRE caller at approximately 5:45 pm. June 10, 2023. This wildfire is burning in a black spruce type fuel and is burning deep into the muskeg. Currently, 20 firefighters, two aircraft and various pieces of heavy equipment are working to secure the perimeter and cool the fire.
GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex GCX002
The Boone Lake Complex is made up of two wildfires, 95 percent contained with 55 percent controlled.
There are 30 firefighters, one helicopters with buckets and various types of heavy equipment working on this complex.
GWF035 is located 20 km north of Valhalla Center, near the northeast side of Boone Lake. This wildfire is now considered to be 100 percent contained with a guard and is 90 percent controlled. This wildfire is estimated to be 872 hectares in size and is classified as under control (UC).
GWF038 is approximately 10 km west of Deadwood Lake, in Township 77-10. This wildfire is now considered to be 95 percent contained with a guard and 45 percent controlled. This wildfire is estimated to be 7,148 hectares in size and is classified as out of control (OC). This wildfire is still very active, the latest infrared scan found over 400 hot spots on or near the perimeter. This fire did receive a small amount of rain but fire behavior remains moderate.
Firefighting crews are working with helicopters and buckets to extinguish hot spots. Please stay out of the area as wildfire suppression operations are ongoing.
GWF018 is classified as being held (BH) at 49,327 hectares. It is being managed by the Peace River Forest Area. For more information about this wildfire, visit the Peace River Forest Area Update.
GWF039 is located approximately 60 km southwest of Grovedale. It is classified as under control (UC) at 94 hectares. It was caused by lightning. Firefighters will continue to monitor this fire and extinguish hot spots when detected.
GWF041 located 7.5 km northwest of Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. It is classified as under control (UC) at 22.5 hectares. It was caused by lightning. Reclamation is 95 percent complete on this wildfire and firefighters continue to monitor this fire and extinguish hot spots when detected.
GWF027 & GWF040 - Eagle Complex
GWF027 is classified as under control (UC) at 54,988 hectares.
GWF040 is classified as under control (UC) at 1.3 hectares.
GWF017, GWF019 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)
As of June 1, 2023 the wildfires within the Sturgeon Lake Complex are classified as under control (UC).
GWF017 is classified as under control (UC) at 5,479 hectares.
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. It was caused by lightning.
GWF023 is classified as under control (UC) at 3,889 hectares.
The interior of active wildfires can flare up as previously unburnt vegetation catches fire. This is a normal occurrence. Firefighters are monitoring these active fires and are working to put out hot spots. There is no need to report flame or smoke in these areas.
A FIRE RESTRICTION remains in effect for the northern part of the Grande Prairie Forest Area, within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Cities, towns, villages, summer villages and National Parks are exempt from this restriction.
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
- Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
- Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
- All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473)
An Alberta Emergency Alert has been issued for Greenview No. 16.
Everyone in the affected area should prepare for a possible evacuation with 2 hours' notice. These alerts advise the public to prepare to take immediate action.Emergency preparedness helps everyone. Being Emergency Ready means we are better prepared to protect our families and communities during emergencies by knowing the risks, making a plan and building an emergency kit.
For more wildfire information, please contact:
Information line: 1-866-394-3473