Grande Prairie Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area remains EXTREME.

Dry conditions and gusty winds continue to increase the fire danger. A Fire ban remains in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. 

Alberta Wildfire is assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a mutual aid fire that started four km east of the town of Teepee Creek. The Kleskun Creek Fire (GCU 007) is 1,382 hectares and is listed as out of control. 

A night vision helicopter along with fire crews worked to suppress hotspots along the permitter overnight. The flight crew reported that fire activity was less active than the night before and that the helicopter was able to seek out hotspots and dropped 60 loads of water amounting to 21,000 gallons. 

Today, fire behavior did improve with no growth observed and minimal flare ups found. Wildfire crews continued to secure the permitter with pump, hose and hand tools to reinforce the guard. Tomorrow, more firefighters will arrive to help extinguish this wildfire.

(GCU007 May14, 2024)

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 30 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 182.30 hectares. 

GWF030 was detected 40 kilometers south of Grande Prairie. This wildfire is now listed as under control at 0.25 hectares. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire. 

GWF029 This wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. This wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots within the perimeter of the fire. 

Prevent wildfires 

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.

It is your responsibility to know what the current restrictions are for the area that you plan to visit. You can be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages of a wildfire that you cause.

2023 carryover wildfires

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

• MO-015 Fire Restriction (revised boundary) and MO-016 Fire Ban map

Drones are not allowed to be flown within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe for aircraft to be flying with drones in the air. Interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance.

See Transport Canada's Forest fires and drones fact sheet for more information.

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

Status Dashboard

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Preparing in advance can keep you safe and comfortable, and help you get back to your normal life and work more quickly. It also helps others because emergency responders can focus on helping those who need it the most.

 

Find active alerts, archived alerts, and details about the Alberta Emergency Alert system here. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Translation services are available to provide information services in languages other than English.

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 15, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

• Alberta Wildfire
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  Phone: 1-866-394-3473