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
Wildfire Situation | May 20, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 31 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 22 607 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, four 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
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire
This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and was estimated to be 14 540 hectares in size. The fire is approximately 17 kilometres west of Highway 40. Extreme fire behaviour was observed yesterday, and significant growth was observed to the east and southeast. The fire crossed the Bald Mountain Road to the east and is in proximity of the intersection of Odum Ridge Road and Bald Mountain Road to the south.
Visibility does not permit the safe use of aircraft this morning. When the weather conditions permit, the helicopters will be used to support crews on the ground and assess the area and provide a new estimate of the hectares burned.
Forty-six firefighters along with five helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment are assigned to the fire today. Crews today will concentrate on the northwest flank as well as the new growth around Bald Mountain Road. Work consists of building dozer guard, laying hose and watering containment lines.
Please respect all evacuation orders and alerts that are in effect and stay away from all active wildfires. This is for your safety as well as firefighter safety as suppression operations are conducted.
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 5752 hectares in size and is out of control, while GWF023 is estimated to be 3869 hectares in size and is out of control. Today there are 142 firefighting personnel and 102 management and support staff on site. Eleven helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the two fires.
Visibility does not permit the safe use of aircraft this morning. When the weather conditions permit, the helicopters will be used to helibucket hotspots and support crews on the ground with reconnaissance flights.
On GWF017, crews continue to build dozer guard around the latest growth in Young’s Point Provincial Park. The guard will then be tied into the fire line with hand ignition, wind direction permitting, to create a solid containment line against today’s east-southeast winds. However, wind speeds are forecasted to be mild, and such conditions often create erratic wind gust from all directions. Crews will be paying attention to wind shifts. Crews will monitor the area of Sandy Bay and patrol the east and south flanks of the fire, ready to intervene on any hot spots along the border.
On GWF023 dozer guards continue to be reinforced on the north flank with hand ignition, wind direction permitting. Once this is completed, crews will patrol and mop up hot spots.
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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