The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME

The potential for numerous lightning caused fires will continue to be a concern over the next few days as winds are expecting to be gusty and forest fuels are extremely dry, any strikes may smolder. New lightning caused wildfires are possible; be alert when in the forest. 

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

(Bald Mountain Wildfire SE-GWF-019 May 13, 2023)

Wildfire Situation | May 13, 2023 

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 27 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 17,189 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, four are listed as out of control (OC), six are under control, one is being held, two have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 14 of these fires have been extinguished.

To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

GWF027 - is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 350ha and is located  27 km SW of Little Smoky. This wildfire quickly grew to an active crown fire and had very aggressive fire behaviour even under light winds. Our efforts for tanker drops and bucketing were ineffective and all crews and machines were pulled off this wildfire. We are mobilizing heavy equipment and ground crews as this fire is expected to grow in the coming days. 

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

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. Dozer guard construction is progressing and nearly complete. More crews have arrived from Ontario and the USA. Fire weather indicators are predicted to increase in the coming days.

Today, two CL-215T aircraft skimmed water off Sturgeon Lake onto the fire. The CL-215T air tanker is an amphibious, flying boat-type aircraft specifically designed as an air tanker.  When firefighting aircraft such as airtankers or helicopters are working on an active wildfire and picking up water from nearby lakes, they need plenty of room to move and do their job safely. Boaters or people using other watercraft who try to get a close-up look at these aircraft present a serious safety risk for air crews and anyone else in the area.

GWF017 - Increased fire behaviour was observed yesterday. This fire advanced a few 100 meters to the SE. Firefighters continue to work hard to contain this wildfire.

GWF023 - This wildfire had very activity fire behaviour and jumped the established containment line growing 600 meters to the SE. Firefighter were able to reestablish the line. 

For Greenview Emergency Operations Centre check here 

The Dunes West Wildfire - The Canadian Military, Alberta Wildfire with USA resources continue to assist the County of Grande Prairie with a mutual aid wildfire in the dunes area 8 km southeast of Dimsdale.  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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