Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update November 1, 2022

Posted on Tue, Nov 01, 2022

End of wildfire season

While wildfire season officially ends October 31 and a fire permit is no longer required for burning inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, it’s important to keep safe winter burning practices top of mind.

 Wildfire Situation | November 1, 2022 - 1:30 p.m.

During the 2022 wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire responded to 1,259  wildfires in Forest Protection Area of Alberta. These wildfires burned over 159, 280 hectares in area. That's near the five-year average for total number of wildfires (1,107), but below the average area burned, which is just over 190, 000 hectares. 

Since January 1, 2022 there have been 82 wildfires burning over 105 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, 80 of these fires have been extinguished and two are listed as under control. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

 

Smoke Safety
 
Smoke and smog is not just a summertime concern, it can also occur in the winter, often in communities where wood is used for home heating or residents are burning piles on their land. These pollutants can build up in the local area during cold weather, when there is little wind to disperse the particles. This often occurs during temperature inversions and in valleys and other areas that are sheltered from the wind.
Wind direction is an important factor to take into account when deciding whether to start a burn. Consider what values are downwind of the proposed burn area. If you are close to other residences, communities, farmyards, roads, highways or other properties owned by someone else, take care to ensure that smoke from the fire does not interfere or present harm to those affected downwind. 
 
Check Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index to track winter smog in your community and find health information. 
 

Recruitment - helicopter and smoke

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.

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Preparing for fall and winter

There’s lots you can do to be FireSmart this fall. Start by downloading the FireSmart Begins at Home App and do an assessment of your property. It’s quick and easy! Visit firesmartcanada.ca for more information.

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