Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update July 17, 2023

Posted on Sat, Jul 15, 2023

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The wildfire danger is now MODERATE for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.  

Wildfire Situation

There are currently 10 wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires two are being held (BH) and eight are under control (UC).

Since January 1, there have been 50 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA) burning nearly 141,305 hectares. 

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.

 

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(Pictured GWF 038 mop-up operations begin).

GWF049 is located 17 km east of Valleyview and is currently classified as under control (UC) at 50 hectares. Currently, 25 firefighters, various pieces of heavy equipment and a helicopter are working on this fire. 

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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 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. The Boone Lake complex that was first detected June 6, 2023 and has burned more than 7,000 Hectares is now being held (BH). Firefighters that have been working for long hours in the heat, smoke and difficult terrain and recent favorable firefighting weather and the many hours spent securing the perimeter has ensured the wildfire will not grow beyond the set boundaries. AlbertaFireBans_2021

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 98 percent complete on this wildfire and firefighters continue to monitor this fire and extinguish hot spots when detected. 

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

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GWF017, GWF019 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)

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.

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

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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

 

For more wildfire information contact: 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

 

Information line: 1-866-394-3473

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