The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME

Hot and dry conditions will continue with no significant rain in the forecast. The forecast is predicting temperature of 24 degrees, a relative humidity of 15 per cent with widespread crossover conditions and light winds from the south 10 km/h to 15 km/h. 

Expect local smoke, multiple wildfires continue to burn out of control. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for health advise from Alberta Health Link. To learn more about smoke visit firesmoke.ca

 

Wildfire Situation | May 12, 2023 

 

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 23 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 13,449 hectares have burned. 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.

To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX-001 – (GWF017) (GWF023)

GWF017 is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 3,765 ha in size. This wildfire is located on both sides of Highway 43. Municipal structural protection along with Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is assisting with this wildfire. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard around both wildfires and firefighters continue to secure the guard by extinguishing the wildfire's perimeter. Dozer guard construction is progressing and nearly complete. This fire showed very little activity today and firefighting efforts went well.

 

GWF023 is classified as out of control (OC) is estimated to be 1,189 ha.  This area continues to be actioned by helicopters bucketing and firefighters with nod wells working hotspots. Fire Activity did pick up midafternoon during the peak burning period although no growth has been observed in the past 24 hours. A Quebec incident management team is now in place and will transition with the current team this morning. 

For Greenview Emergency Operations Centre check here 

GWF018 -is estimated to be 10,508 ha in located approximately five kilometres east of Cleardale and 22 km southwest of Worsley. This fire is classified as Out of Control (OC).  Firefighters, helicopters and air tankers worked the perimeter in both the north and the south sections of the fire today hitting hot spots and trying to keep the fire from growing larger. Check Peace River forest Area   for more information.

 

Bald Mountain Fire - GWF 019 is located 21km west of Hwy 40, 50 km South of Grande Prairie. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 8,362 ha in size. Firefighters continue to monitor this wildfire. Fire behaviour did increase this afternoon and air tankers were dispatched to this fire, no substantial growth of the fire has been observed in the past 24 hours. We are mobilizing heavy equipment and preparing to work on areas of highest priorities closest to communities. This fire is expected to grow in the coming days as hot dry weather continues. 

 

The Dunes West Wildfire - We are assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a mutual aid wildfire in the dunes area 8 km southeast of Dimsdale. Resources continue to arrive to aid in containing this out of control (OC) wildfire. The estimated size was mapped at 1,500.00 ha, no growth of this fire has been observed in the past 24 hours. The east perimeter contains numerous hotspots that remain a concern.

A thermal heat scan is being conducted to provide information of hotspots that remain. Thermography measures surface temperatures by using infrared video and still cameras. These tools detect light in the heat spectrum. Images on the video record the temperature variations of the ground. Mapping is then produced to guide tactical efforts.

For information call the Dunes West Wildfire Information line at 1-825-606-5092.
info@gprepeoc.com and for updates check GPREP here.

 

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