Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update May 4, 2023

Posted on Thu, May 04, 2023

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The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH. Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behaviour.

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Wildfire Situation | May 4, 2023 

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 16 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 88 hectares. At this time, 11 of these fires have been extinguished, three are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment.  

GWF 084 is a carry over fire  from the 2022 wildfire season it is listed as under control at 22.3 hectares.  

A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities, or critical infrastructure. For information on the wildfires of note visit Alberta Wildfire status.

Fire weather indicators remain very high for the next 24 hours.  A fire behavior advisory has been issued for our area. Expect above normal temperatures with a risk of lightning. Wind gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour can be expected. Fire crews are stationed strategically and are ready to action any new fires. Aerial patrols and our lookout personnel are watching from their tower sites for new and holdover lightning fires.

Find wildfire forecasts, weather maps and information about how fire danger is monitored in Alberta  https://www.alberta.ca/fire-weather-and-forecasts.aspx

 

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FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to high fire danger.
 
Under this restriction:
 
Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
 
Prohibited:
 
All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.
 
Allowed:
 
Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
Propane/ natural gas powered appliances.
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.
 
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
 
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Please visit  albertafirebans.ca to check if there is a fire advisory, fire restriction or fire ban in effect for your destination.

FireBan Video

 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

 

 

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