The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is MODERATE.
A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect across much of the Forest Protection Area, including the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- 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
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.
PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
Numerous wildfires continue to burn in many areas of the province. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
Wildfire Situation | May 26, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 31 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 28,959.00 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, none are listed as out of control (OC), one is under control (UC), four are being held (BH), one has been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 26 of these fires have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
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
GWF017 & GWF023, GWF019 - Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001
The Sturgeon Lake Complex is made up of three fires. GWF017 is estimated to be 5,752 hectares in size and GWF023 is estimated to be 3,869 hectares in size. GWF019 Bald Mountain Fire is 19,435 hectares in size. All 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 123 firefighting personnel and 82 management and support staff on site. Eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to the fires.
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire
Scattered 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 six 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.
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
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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