Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update - March 15, 2024

Posted on Fri, Mar 15, 2024

If you have conducted burning this winter, take the time to go back and ensure the fires are completely extinguished. Due to the dry conditions we have been facing, there is a heighten risk of holdover fires. This means a fire left smouldering can persist underground and flare up into a wildfire when conditions become favorable, such as during warm and windy weather.

To prevent spring holdover wildfires revisit your brush pile or windrow burning projects to ensure the fires are extinguished.

  • Spread out the remaining material.
  • Soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced.
  • Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry fuel conditions and below average snow amounts.

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

Report wildfires 2022

Wildfire information
 
Since January 1, 2024, there has been six wildfires reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 74 hectares.  Of the six  wildfires, four have been extinguished, one has been turned over to the responsible party and one is listed as under control.

There are currently 11 wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Five of these are carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires are listed as under control and are being monitored by firefighters.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

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.


FireSmart Alberta
 
FireSmart Alberta

Visit www.firesmartalberta.ca to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.


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

Please get a fire permit for any burning project, other than a campfire, and always follow our safe burning guidelines.

View a video fire permits about  by clicking here.

wajax_on_prescribed_fire

Wildfire preparedness

Learn what you can do to prepare yourself and others in the event of a wildfire. See Wildfire preparedness for more details.

How you can help with wildfire response

Wildfires can have a significant impact on Albertans, our communities and our forests. There are several ways the public can contribute to wildfire response either through the Wildfire Reservist Program or contracting opportunities.

The safety of Albertans is our first priority. If your community is under threat of wildfire, follow the direction of your local emergency services. See how you can help with wildfire response. 


For more information contact:

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

Subscribe to Grande Prairie Area Updates