Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 24, 2024

Written by Kelly Burke | Jun 24, 2024 10:00:15 PM

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH

Gusting winds up to 55 kilometers per hour with a risk of lightning are expected today. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly. Fire crews are stationed strategically and are ready to action any new fires. Aerial patrols and our lookout personnel are watching from their tower sites for new and holdover lightning fires.

Firefighters urge everyone to report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 33 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 175 hectares. No new wildfire to report in the past 24 hours. 

The Kleskun Creek Fire (GCU 007) was first detected May 10, 2024, four kilometers east of the town of Teepee Creek. Firefighters declared this wildfire under control at 1,298 hectares on May 19, 2024. A wildfire is considered under control when it has been successfully managed to ensure no further spread. During this stage, firefighters will monitor for fire activity and extinguish hotspots if detected.

Learn more about wildfire classifications.

2023 carryover wildfires

There is currently one carryover fire still from the 2023 wildfire season. GWF-018 2023 is listed as under control. Areas of this wildfire have remaining hotspots and are being monitored by firefighters.

 

Fire Bans, Restrictions and Advisories as well as Off-Highway Vehicle restrictions are in effect throughout several parts of Alberta. Before you head out into a forested area check albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about restrictions and bans in your location including the Forest Protection Area (FPA), municipalities and provincial parks.

Written permission is required year-round. Those seeking written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the  Forest Protection Area (FPA), may apply for written permission from a Forest Officer at your local forest area office. Fireworks fact sheet

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 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 about fire permits by clicking here


FireSmart your home!

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers.  By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire. Checklist

Visit  firesmartalberta.ca to learn more. Download the Alberta FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide here 

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 June 26, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235