The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is LOW.
Wildfire Situation | May 25, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 32 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 28,958.00 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, none are listed as out of control (OC), two are under control (UC), one is being held (BH), one has been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 25 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. No rain was observed overnight on this wildfire, although the fire did receive over 60mm over the past few days, smoke and fire is being observed on the perimeter. Crews will be working on the Two Lakes road extinguishing perimeter 50 feet in and all areas of visible smoke to reduce 310-Fire calls. Heavy equipment and 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 45 firefighters along with five helicopters, eight pieces of heavy equipment, four water trucks and various water transport equipment assigned to the fire today. Unauthorized people are not permitted in or near an active fire perimeter, as displayed on this map below.
GWF018
This fire is currently classified as Being Held (BH). 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
(Skycrane helicopter - Eagle WCX001complex)
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. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Overnight the complex did receive a little rain and fire behavior conditions have improved and changed due to the greening of vegetation. In the northwestern portion of the GWF023, firefighters observed smoldering ground fire and continue to extinguish hotspots using helicopters with buckets.
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.
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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