The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area has increased to HIGH. 

The temperature in the Grande Prairie Forest Area will increase to 15 degrees with relative humidity at 15 percent, indicating crossover conditions. Crossover conditions will quickly dry out dead grass; when grass is dry it ignites easily and with wind fire will spread rapidly.

Today expect gusty winds of up to 40 kilometers an hour combined with crossover conditions. A fire started now could spread quickly and be difficult to control.

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

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, there has been 19 wildfires reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 80 hectares.  Of the 19 wildfires, 15 have been extinguished, two are listed as turned over to the responsible parties and two are under control.

2023 carryover wildfires

2023 carryover wildfires were scanned for heat over the past week using a high-altitude fixed wing aircraft. While some of fires still show heat, we are able to list three of them extinguished. 

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burn

The  Sturgeon Lake fire department are burning this Saturday and Sunday as conditions have recovered and the grass is burning very well with todays fire conditions. Hazard reduction burning will continue into the afternoon until it is determined to be unsafe due to higher winds and flame length. Remember, hazard reduction burning is done in a controlled manner with trained professionals with appropriate equipment onsite.

Smoke may be visible near Sturgeon lake and the surrounding areas. Any smoke produced by the burn is, however, expected to quickly dissipate. 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. 

A fire restriction has been issued for northern parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area as of  April 18, 2024 1400hrs.

• 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.
  

A fire advisory remains in effect for the south parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry fuel and gusty wind.

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.