The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH
Another good day of fighter fighting with light precipitation and higher humidity in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Hot, dry conditions are expected in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
Wildfire Situation | May 10, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 24 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 13,449 hectares. Of these fires, three are listed as out of control (OC), five are under control, one is being held, two have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 12 of these fires have been extinguished.
info@gprepeoc.com and for updates check GPREP here.
DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES
The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.
*Transport Canada
FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.
Under this fire ban:
All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
No new Fire Permits will be issued
Prohibited:
All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds.
Backyard firepits
BBQ charcoal briquettes
The use of fireworks and exploding targets
The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails
Allowed:
Propane/natural gas-powered appliances.
Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
Due to extreme fire danger conditions, the province has enacted an Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction that prohibits the recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV)s on public lands, including designated OHV trails, until the wildfire danger lessens. This OHV restriction applies to the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs - permission from a forest officer is required in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For the an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.
Find wildfire forecasts, weather maps and information about how fire danger is monitored in Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/fire-weather-and-forecasts.aspx
A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832 7235
Phone: 1-866-394-3473
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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