Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 22, 2024

Posted on Wed, May 22, 2024

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-low.jpg

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is LOW.  With current and expected forecast of precipitation, cooler temperatures, light winds and high humidity for this week.

The fire ban for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is lifted effective immediately as of 1000hrs May 22, 2024. Jurisdictions outside the Forest Protection Area (FPA), including municipalities and provincial parks, may issue their own fire restrictions or bans. Please check albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about restrictions and locations.

AlbertaFireBans_2024

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 31 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 175.95 hectares.

The Kleskun Creek Fire (GCU 007) is 1,298 hectares and is now listed as under control. GCU 007 wildfire is now classified as under control which means that firefighters have the fire fully contained and it is not expected to grow.  To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.   

Firefighting crews continue to work with pump hose and hand tools to extinguish this fire putting out pre-identified hotspots within the perimeter. 

GWF029 This wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. This wildfire is now listed as under control at 93 hectares. Two firefighting crews continue to work with pump hose and hand tools to extinguish this fire putting hotspots within the perimeter. 

2023 carryover wildfires

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

310-FIRE  flames


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

View a video fire permits about  by clicking here

Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in northeast region of British Columbia and Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.  Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. 


firesmart

FireSmart Canada has also developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos. 

Drones Message

Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Yesterday, fire management personnel received a report of a private aircraft flying within the wildfire Notam (Notice to Air Missions) area. Pilots are reminded to check Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flying during the wildfire season. Besides contributing to the risk of mid-air collision, the presence of unauthorized aircraft can seriously disrupt the work of the fire suppression crews. In many cases, small wildfires or fires with little smoke can be the center of intense aviation activity.

Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), the existence of a wildfire invokes automatic airspace restrictions, regardless of the presence or absence of suppression aircraft.

Section 601.15 of CARs stipulates that no unauthorized person is able to operate an aircraft over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of one, at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet above ground level. 

wildfire app (1)

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

The Forest Protection Area is divided into 10 forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area here or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.

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 29, 2024, unless conditions change.


 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

 

Subscribe to Grande Prairie Area Updates