The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME
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
Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001, May 18, 2023
Wildfire Situation | May 18, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 30 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 18 of these fires have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001, May 18, 2023
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire
This fire is located 21 km west of Highway 40 and 50 kilometres south of Grande Prairie. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 14 540 hectares in size. Twenty firefighters from Ontario along with five helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment are assigned to this fire.
Smoky conditions today will once again determine if aircraft can be safely used on the fire. Work today will include building dozer guard, laying hose, and watering the perimeter.
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 4218 hectares in size and is out of control, while GWF023 is estimated to be 3692 hectares in size and is out of control. These updated sizes reflect recent mapping as well as the limited expansion observed along the perimeter, particularly on the northwest flank of GWF023 and on the northeast flank of GWF017. Today there are 146 firefighting personnel and 103 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.
To take advantage of yesterday’s east-southeast winds before today’s predicted wind shift, hand ignition operations continued until late last night. The purpose of this was to eliminate unburned vegetation between the guard and the fire line. This allows crews to better control the fire’s direction and behaviour, particularly in the face of ever-changing wind directions. Crews also conducted hand ignitions around Sandy Bay to remove fuels that were threatening structures. These tactics are used in conjunction with Structure Protection Teams who work to keep values wet with a variety of tools including sprinklers and portable pools.
Smoky conditions today will once again determine if aircraft can be safely used on the fires. Regardless, crews will continue building dozer guard, watering containment lines, and conducting hand ignitions. When aircraft can be safely deployed, they will be used for bucketing operations as well as reconnaissance flights to assess any new fire growth, particularly on the west/northwest flank of GFW023.
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
Please subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.