Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 16, 2024

Posted on Mon, Sep 16, 2024

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The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH. Warm weather and windy conditions have increased the wildfire risk. Alberta Wildfireare asking residents and visitors to use caution with fire and take steps to prevent wildfires.

No precipitation is forecasted for the next 24 hours, gusting winds are expected to continue into tomorrow. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly. 

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Wildfire Situation

So far this year, 104 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 434 hectares, two are listed as under control and all others have been extinguished. Of the 104 wildfires, 53 of them are consider lightning caused and 46 are human caused, 5 remain under investigation.

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations and more.

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Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit to burn within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. 

 Albertans can request a free fire permit by contacting their local forestry office or using the online Fire Permit Portal. Contact your local fire guardian or visit a Forestry office for a permit. Albertans living outside the FPA must contact their municipality or local authority for more information about fire permit requirements for burning. If you are planning on burning debris, it’s important to keep safe burning practices top of mind. Check your burn site for heat multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

Spirit River                      (780) 814 1983

Valleyview                       (780) 524 6576

County West                   (780) 814 1648

Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.


Wildfire Prevention

Make sure your campfire is fully extinguished. A campfire can burn deep into the ground and flare up again in dry or windy weather. Soak the ashes and stir them. Keep soaking the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Even if you are going for a short hike, make sure your campfire is out. Learn more here.

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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 September 18, 2024, unless conditions change.

 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

 

 

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