Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Update - April 23, 2024

Posted on Tue, Apr 23, 2024

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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).

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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

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


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. 

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Fire Restriction wide-1

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.

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Fire Advisory banner

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.

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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.


 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!

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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.


To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

During times of low to moderate wildfire danger, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily if fires are active and/ or out of control. Expect your next wildfire update on April 24, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

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