Grande Prairie Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH. A fire restriction remains in place for the northern parts of Alberta. If you live, work or recreate in the forest, use caution and report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 20 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 80 hectares.  Of the 20 wildfires, 17 have been extinguished, one is listed as turned over to the responsible parties and two are under control.

Alberta wildfire crews are assisting the MD of Greenview with a 12 hectare wildfire, (GMD001) near the community of Debolt, 50 kilometers west of Valleyview. Alberta wildfire crews along with a helicopter are working with the Debolt fire department to extinguish the fire. 

Alberta wildfire crews are assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a 30 hectare wildfire. (GCU005) started Saturday April 20, 2024 in the area of township road 730 to 732. Currently, wildfire crews are working to extinguish hotspots within the perimeter. For more information about this fire check here  https://loom.ly/giBNlLM

2023 carryover wildfires

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burn

The Sturgeon Lake fire department is again starting hazard reduction burning until it is determined to be safe. Hazard reduction burning is done in a controlled manner with trained professionals with appropriate equipment onsite.

To date nearly 43 hectares of dead grass have been removed from around the community. 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.

Did you know flare stacks require a minimum of 100 feet between them and any combustible materials? If sites aren’t maintained with this in mind, grassfires can and do start from flares. The 100 feet distance requirement is outlined under the Forest Prairie & Protection Regulation (section 14). The Government of Alberta, forest companies, industrial operators and other stakeholders all play a vital role in preventing wildfires.