The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME
Today, temperatures are expected to be 22 degrees and relative humidity will be 20 percent. Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior. Generally, the winds are expected to be from the northeast at 15 to 20 kilometres per hour. However, locally, wind directions can shift throughout the day.
Numerous wildfires in Alberta remain out of control and smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. To learn more about smoke visit firesmoke.ca
Wildfire Situation | May 17, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 29 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 22 607 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, three are listed as out of control (OC), six are under control (UC), one is being held (BH), two have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 17 of these fires have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
Ontario Initial Attack Crew - ONT-P-005, May 17 2023
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire
This fire is located 21km west of Hwy 40 and 50 km South of Grande Prairie. GWF019 is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 14 540 hectares in size.
Poor visibility, due to smoke cover, limited air operations yesterday morning. When it became safe to do so, firefighting personnel continued building dozer guard and helibucketing hot spots, particularly on the southeastern and southwestern flanks of the fire. Low to moderate fire activity was observed.
Today, 20 firefighters from Ontario are joining operations along with five helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment. Smoke is once again limiting air operations this morning. Flights will resume once the fog and smoke have lifted.
GWF018
This fire is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). For more information about this fire plase visit the Peace River Forest Area Update. For evacuation information, visit https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/
GWF027- Eagle Complex WCX001
This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and is now part of the Eagle Complex which is being managed by the Whitecourt Forest Area. For the most recent updates visit the Whitecourt Forest Area Update
GWF017 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001
The Sturgeon Lake Complex comprises two fires. GWF017 is estimated to be 3900 hectares in size and is out of control, while GWF is estimated to be 3400 hectares in size and is out of control. Today there are 145 firefighting personnel and 95 management and support staff on site. Twelve helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the two fires. Among the 12 helicopters are two Chinook helicopters. These very large aircraft have huge helibucketing capabilities and are a great help to ground crews.
Weather conditions are dictating fire behaviour and suppression strategies. Relative humidity will remain very low over the next days; this coupled with winds changing direction daily makes for challenging conditions. Suppression efforts are being carried out on many areas of the fires so as to mitigate the effects of the wind direction changing daily.
Today crews will work on extinguishing hot spots, protecting structures and establishing containment lines, particularly on the southern and eastern flanks of GWF017 and the eastern and northwestern flanks of GWF023. Pockets of vegetation burned within the fires yesterday, but both fires remained within their perimeters.
For Greenview Emergency Operations Centre check here
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province, please contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.
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
- 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.
Melanie Morin, Information officer, on behalf of Kelly Burke
(819) 441-7006
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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