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.
Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001
The Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) is responsible for collecting weather data, developing strategic and tactical fire behavior information, predicting fire growth, and interpreting fire characteristics for use by incident overhead. Firefighting personnel will rely on the FBAN in coming days to analyze the expected precipitation's effect on the currect wildfires.
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 were assigned to the fire today. Aircraft were unable to fly again today due to the smoke cover. A new assessment of the hectares affected was therefore not possible. The fire behaviour was minimal, with only surface fire observed. No growth was detected.
Crews continued 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 actioned these areas with water and hand tools. Crews also worked 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 were 140 firefighting personnel and 104 management and support staff on site. Eleven helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy machinery were allotted to the two fires.
No aircraft were able to fly on the fires today because of the dense smoke. Crews spent the day patrolling the fire line and structures at risk, assessing dangerous trees, and actioning hot spots along the perimeter. The objective is to secure 100 feet deep along the line. Cooler temperatures and a higher relative humidity resulted in subdued fire behaviour. A thermal scan was conducted last night on the southern portion of GWF017, and a second one is planned for this evening for the central part of GWF017 and parts of GWF023. The results of these scans will help fix objectives for the next days.
The weather forecast calls for significant rain over the next 48 hours. This is good news for all, as any and all precipitation is needed. Rain gauges have been installed on the fires to precisely identify the exact quantity of rain that will be received. The rain and wind associated with this weather pattern will exacerbate the issue of dangerous trees on the fires. Many trees have little to no root systems left. The terrain will become slippery and dangerous for firefighters. Objectives will be planned with keeping their safety as the priority.
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An important concern for firefighters today was the presence of dangerous trees in and around the fires. Many trees have little to no root systems left. When this happens, trees can fall with a slight gust of wind.
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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