Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area - May 21, 2021

Posted on Fri, May 21, 2021

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The wildfire hazard for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now MODERATE. After receiving a significant amount of rainfall earlier this week the forecast is now calling for warmer temperatures and decreasing relative humidity values which will continue to increase the wildfire hazard throughout the weekend.

Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable. If you are out hunting and recreating this weekend, always use safe burning practices. When extinguishing a campfire: soak it, stir it, and soak it again. In the spring time, dry grass can ignite into a wildfire when campfires aren't properly extinguished. If you have a campfire remember to soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. The fire isn't out until it is cool to the touch

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Wildfire Situation

Since March 1, 2021 there have been 34 wildfires burning nearly 59 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
 

Off-Highway Vehicle Safety

Off-highway vehicle exhausts can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. This is hot enough to dry out even wet, muddy debris and cause it to catch fire. This debris then drops off the vehicle and can end up starting a wildfire.

Ride debris free to prevent wildfires. Check hot spots periodically and clean off any built up muddy or grassy debris.

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Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. To request your fire permit, contact the local forest area. Do not burn during windy conditions. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.
  • County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648 
  • Spirit River – (780) 814-1983 
  • Valleyview – (780) 524-6576

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Fireworks and Exploding Targets

The use of fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. The debris caused when fireworks and exploding targets are detonated are hot and risk causing a wildfire when they come into contact with fuels in the forest, such as dry grass.

'If you are found to be responsible for starting a wildfire, you may have to pay a $600 fine or worse, the cost of fighting the wildfire.’ Learn more about The Forest and Prairie Protection Act  here.

 

 
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For more information:

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

Call or Text (780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

wildfire.alberta.ca

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