The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME
Firefighters continue to work on fire breaks around communities and addressing emerging concerns. We have been busy working on new wildfire starts and continue to fight the current wildfires on the landscape. The wildfire danger is expected to stay extreme into the coming days.
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. The winds for Wednesday will be Northeast 15-20 kilometres per hour.
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 advise from Alberta Health Link. To learn more about smoke visit firesmoke.ca
Wildfire Situation | May 17, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 28 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 28,925 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, four are listed as out of control (OC), five 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.
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 15,000ha in size. Today, firefighters are observing low to moderate fire activity. Firefighters are using helicopters with buckets dropping water on this wildfire from the air and heavy equipment will continue to build fire guard. There are two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
GWF018 - is currently classified as Out of Control (OC). It grew to the south by an estimated 19,000 ha yesterday and is now estimated to be 48,000 ha in size. It is located on both sides of the Peace River, and is approximately five kilometers east of Cleardale and 13 kilometers southwest of Worsley. Wildland firefighters assisted by air support and heavy equipment are working to contain the wildfire. Hwy 64 is closed from Range Road 74 to Range Road 91. Clear Hills County has issued an evacuation alert for area residents.
There is an evacuation alert for the County of Clear Hills as GWF018 continues to be very active. For more information about this evacuation alert, visit https://clearhillscounty.ab.ca/ Check Peace River Forest Area for more information.
GWF027 - is classified as out of control (OC). This fire is now a part of the Eagle Complex which is being managed by the Whitecourt Forest Area. For the most recent updates visit the Whitecourt Area Update
Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX-001 – (GWF017) (GWF023)
The Sturgeon Lake Complex comprises two fires. GWF017 is estimated to be 3900 hectares in size and is out of control, while GWF023 is estimated to be 3400 hectares in size and is out of control. Today there are 134 firefighting personnel and 79 management and support staff on site. Eleven helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the two fires. Among the 11 helicopters are 2 Chinook helicopters that are being integrated into operations today. These very large aircraft have huge helibucketing capabilities and will be a great help to ground crews.
Weather conditions will remain cool today with northerly winds at 15 to 20 kilometres per hour. Similar weather conditions yesterday along with all the hard work put in by firefighters allowed the fires to remain within their existing perimeters. Active fire behaviour was observed in areas of unburnt fuel within the perimeter of the fires.
Today crews will work on extinguishing hot spots, protecting structures and establishing containment lines, particularly on the southern flank of GWF017 and the eastern flank of GWF023. Crews will also be directing their attention and efforts to the western flank of GWF023 in anticipation of winds shifting to the southeast tomorrow.
For any questions on this complex please contact the Incident Management Information Officer at 819-441-7006.
For Greenview Emergency Operations Centre check here
Volunteer Information
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.
Alberta Emergency Alert has issued evacuation notices for:
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.
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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