The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME

Individuals in the vicinity of existing wildfires are encouraged to stay alert and aware of the current wildfire situation. Fire behaviour is expected to increase as a result of the winds, and current and forecasted weather, including the persistent dry conditions throughout the Grande Prairie forest Area.

A low approaches NW Alberta into this afternoon into evening producing a wind shift from south and east through the boreal into the evening. Winds N to NW 20-25 km/h with wind gusts exceeding 55 km/h possible into the peak burning period. High to extreme Fire weather indices today will produce a particularly hazardous fire environment. Caution is advised for any firefighting operations. 

Wildfire Situation | May 15, 2023 

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 28 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), seven are under control (UC), one is being held (BH), 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 7,850ha. This fire is located  27 km SW of Little Smoky and continues to show very aggressive fire behaviour. This wildfire is an active crown fire burning in continuous spruce and pine fuel type. Today, an assessor is flying and preparing for tonight's weather change for operational tactics. 

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 11,750ha in size. Today, we worked the fire with air support. Heavy equipment and crews are working on areas of highest priorities closest to communities. Suppression efforts will be challenged today due to fire behaviour. 

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

Today, the weather and fire behaviour are predicted to be the same as yesterday. Once the inversion lifts, fire activity will increase. Of concern, is the cold front expected to come through the area overnight. The winds will shift from southeast to northwest causing the fire to push towards Valleyview. The Incident Management Team is working with the local authorities to protect the community. Strategies include building a firebreak with dozer guard between the southern flank of the fire and Valleyview today.

Today, on GWF017, crews will continue extinguishing hotspots within the communities of Sandy Bay and Sturgeon Lake. Work consists of making containment lines of 100 feet along the perimeter of the fire in priority areas.

On GWF023, crews will be working the east flank with hose. Structure Protection Units are deployed in an effort to protect values at risk. Heavy machinery will also be used to construct dozer guard around any new areas the fire will expand, as fire behaviour will allow.

For any questions on this complex please contact the Incident Management Information Officer at 819-441-7006.

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.

• 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
  
  
             
   
  Please subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.