Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update - April 10, 2024 Fire restriction

Posted on Wed, Apr 10, 2024

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AB Wildfire is assisting the County of Grande Prairie in containing a wildfire in the Elmworth area. Fire crews along with a water truck will work to find and extinguish hotspots over the next couple of days. Smoke may still be visible as debris remains shouldering.  

Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Please remember to do your part and prevent wildfires. Always use caution in forested areas. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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A fire restriction is in effect in northwestern Alberta in the Forest Protection Area surrounding the communities of Valleyview and Grande Prairie and west of the Peace River.
 
Under this restriction:
-       Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
-       Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
 
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
-       All outdoor wood fires.
-       Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
-       The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
 
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
-       Safe wood campfires.
-       Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
-       Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
 
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.

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A fire advisory remains effect for the south parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry fuel conditions.

Under this advisory:

  • Permits will be issued on a case by case basis
  • No heavy fuel fire permits will be issued

Prohibited:

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

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

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.ca

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473) 

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve

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Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, there has been 14 wildfires reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 76 hectares.  Of the 13 wildfires, nine have been extinguished, four are listed as turned over to the responsible parties and one is under control.

There are currently five carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires are listed as under control and are being monitored by firefighters.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on reporting wildfire, fire bans and fire updates across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

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(Photo: Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Firefighters  April 6, 2024)

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burn

Hazard reduction burning in the community of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation will continue until weather permits or the burn is complete. Where hazard reduction burning has been carried out, we know that it slows the spread of fires, reduces their intensity, and lowers the potential for spot fires. 


Fire Permits

Before you burn it, get a fire permit. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire.  Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.
Albertans living or working in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit by contacting your local forestry office or using the new, convenient online Fire Permit Portal. 

County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648
Spirit River - (780) 814-1983
Valleyview - (780) 524-6576

View a video fire permits about  by clicking here.

Wildfire preparedness

Learn what you can do to prepare yourself and others in the event of a wildfire. See Wildfire preparedness for more details.

There are several ways the public can help with wildfire response either through the Wildfire Reservist Program or contracting opportunities. The safety of Albertans is our first priority. If your community is under threat of wildfire, follow the direction of your local emergency services.

View a video How you can help with wildfire response.


For more information contact:

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

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