Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 11, 2024 p.m.

Posted on Sat, Aug 10, 2024

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The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH.  

We are currently responding to multiple out of control wildfires in the Saddle Hills County area. These wildfires were detected today after a storm cell moved through and produced dry lightning. Cloud-to-ground lightning can strike the surface and spark a wildfire, especially if the vegetation is dry.

Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme burning. Warm and windy conditions are expected for the next several days. No precipitation is expected for the next 24 hours. A fire restriction remains in place for parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area (see here)

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Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 91 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 383 hectares. Of the 91 wildfires, 78 have been extinguished, five are out of control, one has been turned over to the responsible party, and six are under control.


GWF075 is currently classified as out of control at 25.5 hectares (updated GIS mapping). It is located approximately 4.2 kilometers northeast of Albright Lake and 5.2 kilometers east of range road 130.

Today, firefighters are battling extreme heat and dry conditions. The fire behavior has been moderate with the help of the air tankers and helicopters working overnight on this wildfire.

Air tanker groups continue to dump water, foam and fire retardant down on this wildfire. The CL215T groups are again working from Jack Fish Lake. Crews have been working to establish a pump site and lay hose along the perimeter and reinforce the new widened guard.

Firefighting efforts overnight went well, air tankers and a night vision helicopter were able to scan and drop water on deep hotspots. Some spotting did occur overnight on the northwest portion of the line. 

For tonight's operational period, a target plan has been established for a night vision helicopter to secure perimeter on priority hotspots. New mapping and an infrared scan are also planned.  Wildfire_-_Hutch_Lake_Alberta_Canada_-_17

GWF077 is currently classified as out of control at 159 hectares. It is located approximately 6.9 kilometers south of highway 49, 2.8 kilometers west of range road 102 and 9.7 kilometers southeast of the Saddle Hills landfill. 

Last night, the fire behaviour was low to moderate and allowed for a night vision helicopter to do some focused tanking on a spot fire to the south of the main burn, nine drops with foam were dumped on that spot.  

Today, firefighting efforts are going well. Firefighters are working in extreme heat conditions but are holding the guard and extinguishing hotspots along the perimeter with the use of water trucks, pump and hose and hand tools. Crews have worked to reinforce the guard in the north and west. Dangerous firefighting conditions remain due to falling trees and large ash pits.

For tonight's operational period, an infrared scan is planned. This scan will help identify hotspots that may be creeping outside of the perimeter and deep ash pit areas that may need more attention. A night vision helicopter will monitor the perimeter for hotspots and search out targets for tomorrow's operational period. 


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Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Drones are not allowed to be flown within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe for aircraft to be flying with drones in the air. Interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance.

See Transport Canada's Forest fires and drones fact sheet for more information.

 

Aircraft near water

Depending on the location of a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may need to use water from nearby lakes as a source of water to help fight wildfires. Often, these aircraft arrive without advanced warning. If you are in the water and see an aircraft coming in to collect water, please move within 30 m from the shore so these aircraft can safely resume firefighting efforts. Help us by staying out of the way when aircraft are around. Click here to learn more.
 

Night vision helicopters

Led by trained firefighters, NIVS helicopters are used to fight wildfires at night. All crew in the helicopter have night vision goggles on. The goggles amplify light up to 60,000 times allowing them to navigate, see hazards, identify active parts of a wildfire. T
his helicopter tank has a 900 litre holding capacity.

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Alberta’s Forest Protection Area (FPA) covers approximately 60% of the province’s landmass. Alberta Wildfire is responsible for managing wildfires in this area. Wildfire protection in Alberta is shared between Alberta Wildfire (inside the FPA) and local municipalities and counties outside the FPA.

Each municipality has different bylaws to govern fire bans, restrictions, and advisories within their respective jurisdictions. National parks located within the province will also have authority to implement necessary fire restrictions. Alberta Parks impose fire bans in provincial parks and recreation areas in the region.

For information on fire bans in Alberta, please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca or contact 311 for more information on fire bans, advisories and permits.

 

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A fire restriction is in place for parts (fire control zones 27-30) of the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

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 that is 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.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.


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When wildfire danger is low to moderate, 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 August 11, 2024, unless conditions change.


Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

 

 

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