Grande Prairie Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH.  The rain received in the past 24 hours was widely scattered and many parts of the forest area remain dry. There is a high chance that lightning will pass through the area over the coming days and new lightning caused wildfires may be a result. 

To report wildfires call 310-FIRE (3473).

A Red Flag Watch remains in effect. A Red Flag Watch is issued in advance of critical fire danger. Tomorow, west winds of 30 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, are expected. 

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 66 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 200 hectares.  

At this time, 14 active wildfires in the forest protection area, seven are listed as under control, six are being held.  one has been turned over to the responsible party. We are also assisting with one mutual aid fire at this time. 

Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status. 

For an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

A fire ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Grande Prairie Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.

Alberta Parks implements fire bans in provincial parks and recreation areas. For information on current bans within the provincial parks, visit www.albertaparks.ca.

If you are found in violation of the ban, you could be fined up to $5,000 and held liable for all firefighting costs associated with an unintended wildfire. 

Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if a fire ban or restriction is in place in your area.

Under this fire ban:

• All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.

• No new fire permits will be issued.

• Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.

Prohibited:

• All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits.

• Barbeque charcoal briquettes.

• Fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed:

• Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances.

• Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.

• Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is the area within 30 metres of your home and structures. It is made up of three priority areas: The Immediate Zone, Intermediate Zone, and Extended Zone. Learn more about the HIZ and how you can reduce your risk, in our FireSmart Begins at Home Guide.

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 July 25, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  
  
             
   
   

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  Phone: 1-866-394-3473