The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is LOW.
Wildfire Situation | May 24, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 32 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 29,190.00 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, none are listed as out of control (OC), three are under control (UC), four are 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.
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire
This fire is classified as being held (BH) and is estimated to be 19,435 hectares in size. At this stage, the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under expected conditions. Crews will finish establishing control lines and reclaiming some of the guard that was lost. Crews are working in the northwest and in the southeast corners securing a 50 foot perimeter.
The fire is approximately 17 km 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.
There are 47 firefighters along with five helicopters, eight pieces of heavy equipment, four water trucks and various water transport equipment assigned to the fire today.
GWF018
This fire is currently classified as out of control (OC). For more information about this fire please visit the Peace River Forest Area Update.
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 is made up of two fires. GWF017 is estimated to be 5,752 hectares in size and GWF023 is estimated to be 3,869 hectares in size. Both fires are now classified as being held. The status change means the fires are 100% contained.
Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
The Quebec Incident Management Team (IMT) that has been managing suppression operations and the Debolt Fire Camp will be transitioning out today. An Alberta IMT arrived yesterday, and they will be assuming command of the incident as of 3:00 p.m. IMTs and crews generally transition out after a 14-day work shift in order to get some rest. This is a regular process that aims to keep personnel healthy and to ensure a continuity in operations.
Today there will be 129 firefighting personnel and 82 management and support staff on site. Eight helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the fires. The change in types and numbers of resources reflects the equipment needs of the crews in order to complete their objectives. The recent precipitation will impact how the fires are suppressed.
Crews will spend the day assessing the fires and the terrain. The objective remains to find and extinguish hot spots along the perimeter and near structures. While the rain has greatly helped fire behaviour, it has made the job of finding the hundreds of remaining hot spots more difficult. Moreover, the muddy and slippery conditions have made accessing the fires more challenging. Should the weather clear up today, helicopters will be used for reconnaissance flights and to transport crews.
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.
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832 7235
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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