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 21, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 31 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 24 317 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 19 of these fires have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
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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. The fire crossed the Bald Mountain Road to the east on Friday and is in proximity to the intersection of Odum Ridge Road and Bald Mountain Road to the south.
Forty-six firefighters along with five helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment are assigned to the fire today. The smoke has dissipated enough over this fire to permit the use of aircraft. The helicopters will be used to assess the fire, provide an updated area estimate, and to helibucket any flare-ups. Crews will continue work on surrounding the two new excursions across Bald Mountain Road as well as the growth to the south where Weyerhauser Road meets the end of Bald Mountain Road with dozer guard. Firefighters are actioning these areas with water and hand tools. Crews will also work on the northwest flank, actioning hot spots 50 feet in along the fire line.
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 140 firefighting personnel and 104 management and support staff on site. Eleven helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the two fires.
Smoke cover is once again impeding visibility and the use of aircraft. Should the smoke dissipate, the helicopters will be used to assess the fires and to helibucket any flare-ups. Crews on the ground will patrol the fire line and action any hot spots 50 to 100 feet in along the perimeter. They will also monitor structures for any new threats that may arise. An important concern for the firefighters today is the presence of dangerous trees in and around the fires. Due to the degree of drought in the ground and the intensity with which the fires burned, many trees have little to no root systems left. When this happens, trees can fall with a slight gust of wind. Heavy machinery will be used to try and mitigate the danger posed to firefighters.
While a bit of rain was observed in camp overnight, the rain gauges on the fires did not record any precipitation. However, the relative humidity is forecasted to be higher today and winds should be light. Fire behaviour is generally expected to be lower today.
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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