Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update October 22, 2022

Posted on Fri, Oct 21, 2022

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The wildfire danger is HIGH for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. A fire advisory is in effect and will remain until we see significant precipitation and cooler temperatures.

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 Wildfire Situation | October 21, 2022 - 5:00 p.m.

The wildfire season in Alberta officially ends on October 31, 2022. Although we are starting to experience cool fall weather, it is important to continue to do your part to prevent wildfires. Over the upcoming days, areas of grass will dry out and become flammable. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in grassy areas.  

Since January 1, 2022 there have been 79  wildfires burning nearly 105 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, 78 of these fires have been extinguished and one is listed as under control. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Wildfire smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia, N.W.T and northern Alberta will continue to drift into the Grande Prairie Forest Area in the coming days.  For an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

 

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A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. 
  
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel, incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not be issued until conditions improve. Essential burning will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
  
Prohibited: 
• Without a valid fire permit, any burning other than a campfire is prohibited 
  
Allowed: 
• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to: 
a)  be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire; 
b)  have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving; 
c)  have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and 
d)  Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements. 
  
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch. If you see a wildfire report it by calling 310-FIRE. 
 
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Did you know storing items such as firewood or patio furniture against or near a house is a fire hazard? Consider moving flammable material ten meters away from your home. Learn more with the FireSmart®️ Begins at Home App. This App guides homeowners through a series of questions about their property to help identify specific actions you can take on your property to reduce wildfire risks. Download the App for Apple iPhone and Android devices.

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Alberta Wildfire is hiring

We are now accepting applications for a variety of roles for the 2023 wildfire season. The deadline for wildfire crews member application is November 30, 2022. All candidates must have a valid Standard First Aid certificate with CPR, a Driver's License, a Defensive Driving Certificate, and be able to pass the WFX-Fit test. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/2Y9aZ26.


Fire Permits

Before you burn it, get a fire permit. Fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA). The only exception is for a cooking or warming campfire. 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 online Fire Permit Portal. 

County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648
Spirit River - (780) 814-1983
Valleyview - (780) 524-6576

 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

 

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