The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH

A weather system is pushing through Alberta bringing rain and thunderstorms. While any and all precipitation is welcome news, the quantity received on the provinces numerous wildfires will vary. Many areas have not received significant rain, causing the fire danger to remain VERY HIGH in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001

Wildfire Situation | May 22, 2023 

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 32 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), three 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
Varying quantities have been recorded on different areas of the fire. The Fire Behaviour Analyst will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming days.

GWF031 

GWF031 was reported last night. It is estimated to be 0.31 hectares in size and has been turned over to the responsible party. The fire was ignited by lightning that touched a wind row (a brush pile) during the passage of a thunderstorm. The fire is located northwest of New Fish Creek. The Valleyview Fire Department responded, along with the local landowner and a four-person crew of wildland firefighters. Crews worked on the fire through the night. An order to reduce and remove the fuels was issued to the landowner, who will now continue with suppression efforts.

GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire

This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and is estimated to be 19,435 hectares in size. The fire is approximately 17 kilometres west of Highway 40. The fire has crossed the Bald Mountain Road to the east and is in proximity to the intersection of Odum Ridge Road and Bald Mountain Road to the south.

Forty-six firefighters along with six helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment were assigned to the fire today. However, the rain and smoke did not allow the safe use of helicopters on the fire.

The fire is now considered contained on the southern flank near Two Pinto Road, on the western flank near Bald Mountain Road and on the Northern flank near Nose Mountain Road. Crews continued to work to contain the fire within its perimeter 50 feet in from the fire line. They also monitored for spot fires outside the fire’s edge.

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 GWF023 is estimated to be 3869 hectares in size. As of this afternoon, both fires are considered “Being Held.” The status change means the fires are 100% contained.

The definition of “Being Held” is as such: sufficient resources are currently committed, and sufficient action has been taken, that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecasted weather and fire behaviour conditions.

It is important to note that the fires are not extinguished and still contain hundreds of hot spots. The perimeters of the fires have enough dozer guard and have seen enough firefighter work that the fires are not expected to spread beyond the perimeters. As well, threat mitigation has been conducted on the values at risk. The precipitation received over the last 24 hours has caused the fires to display no visible fire activity. However, thermal scans show that there are still hundreds of hot spots throughout both fires. Crews are taking advantage of the reduced fire behaviour to work on these hot spots. However, when warmer and drier conditions return, the fires will display active fire behaviour again.

Today there were 133 firefighting personnel and 103 management and support staff on site. Eight helicopters and 27 pieces of heavy machinery were allotted to the two fires. Crews were once again unable to use the helicopters; rain and smoke made their use impossible.

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.

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