Wind-driven springtime wildfires are of concern for the next several weeks in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Warming weather and gusty wind is causing snow to melt and disappear quickly leaving areas of dry exposed grass. Fine fuels like dead grass will ignite easily and fire can spread quickly, even under light winds.
Wildfires can still start in cooler weather, especially in dry and windy conditions. Always use caution in forested areas.
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
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:
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Permits will be issued on a case by case basis
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No heavy fuel fire permits will be issued
Prohibited:
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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
There are currently five 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.
(Photo: Sturgeon Lake Fire Department March 27, 2024)
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Hazard Reduction Burn
Hazard reduction burning in the community of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has begun! Burning will continue until weather permits or the burn is complete. Every spring, firefighters burn areas of dry grass around the community. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters will be burning under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and the impact of smoke to roadways and communities are minimized. All public roads and highways will remain open.
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.
To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
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.
Off Highway Vehicles
Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine. After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine. Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher. Wash your OHV and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
Wildfire preparedness
Learn what you can do to prepare yourself and others in the event of a wildfire. See Wildfire preparedness for more details.
There are several ways the public can help with 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.
View a video How you can help with wildfire response.
For more information contact:
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832-7235
- 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
Subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
Phone: 1-866-394-3473