The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME.
Poor visibility due to wildfire smoke has grounded our helicopters and air tankers today. Smoke from British Columbia wildfires are impacting much of the provincial air operations today. To see forecasted smoke, you can visit FireSmoke.ca.
GCU007 Alberta Wildfire is assisting the County of Grande Prairie with an out of control wildfire that started four km east of the town of Teepee Creek. This wildfire travelled 12.8 km yesterday in an eastward direction crossing the Smoky River last night. This fire has spread across the river for about a kilometer and burned approximately 80 hectares on the east side. Today a specialized heavy equipment group has arrived that is capable of a 24-hour operational period. Currently, the group is making good progress to secure a complete guard around the perimeter. Crews and heavy equipment will continue to work on this fire overnight to help suppress fire activity.
GWF029 The County of Grande Prairie is assisting Alberta Wildfire with a wildfire 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. This wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Heavy equipment has completed a guard on the perimeter and firefighters are working to suppress the fire.
Fire behaviour is expected to increase tomorrow due to gusty winds and prolonged dry conditions. No precipitation is expected in the next 24 hours.
To help prevent wildfires in the coming days:
Grasses and other fine fuels can ignite quickly under windy conditions. If you are operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) use caution, clear your hot spots, and carry a collapsible bucket and shovel. Sparks from rocks hitting heavy machinery, dragging chains and welding operations are all high-risk activities.
Do not operate equipment in tall grass and keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available.
Industry is reminded that build-up of carbon within the flare stacks result in hot embers being released into surrounding dry grass. Inspect and maintain the ignition devices to ensure operation is within appropriate parameters.
Since January 1, 2024, 29 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 180.85 hectares.
There are currently three carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires are listed as under control and are being monitored by firefighters.
A fire ban is in place for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry conditions and expected weather.
Under this ban:
• All existing fire permits are suspended (or cancelled)
• No new fire permits will be issued
Prohibited:
• All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
• Backyard firepits
• BBQ charcoal briquettes
• The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
• Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
• Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
• Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
• All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For more information: Fire Restriction Fact Sheet
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.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire
Getting the information at the right time helps you respond quickly and
appropriately. Get alerts by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app and visit Alerts and advisories to learn what other alerting services are available.
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 May 11, 2024, at 3 p.m. unless conditions change.
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832-7235
Subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
Phone: 1-866-394-3473