The wildfire danger rating for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is MODERATE. There are currently no wildfires burning in the area.
Since March 1, there have been 12 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning more than 6.0 hectares. One of these wildfires has been turned over to the responsible party, and all others have been extinguished.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
On windy days stay on alert for wildfires and reduce the risk of starting one. Grasses and other fine fuels are becoming dry in our area. 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.
Report Wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3743) if you spot smoke or fire in the forest.
FIRE BAN IN EFFECT
There is a fire ban in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, as well as in Alberta provincial parks and protected areas, until further notice.
Fire permits are currently suspended or cancelled. Some allowances are possible for essential agricultural and industrial burning with the approval of a forest officer.
Prohibited
• outdoor wood fires
• backyard firepits (in the Forest Protection Area)
• barbeques with charcoal briquettes
Allowed
• propane / natural gas powered appliances
• open flame CSA approved oil devices
• indoor wood fires
** All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An indoor wood fire is a fire inside a structure (such as a building, tent, or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.
OHV usage
Currently there are no off-highway vehicle restrictions in place for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. An OHV restriction is in effect in the High Level Forest Area, Peace River Forest Area, the northwestern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area and the rural areas surrounding Fort McMurray.
Be mindful if you are operating an off-highway vehicle in grassy areas. Within just five minutes of idling, quad engines can reach over 200 degrees. Grass build up will ignite at these temperatures. Clear your machine hot spots frequently. Always keep watch along the path for smoke or smoldering grass.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 1-866-394-3473
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