Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update May 26, 2023 pm

Posted on Fri, May 26, 2023

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The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is MODERATE.

Light precipitation was observed in some areas of the Grande Prairie Forest Area and the average wildfire danger is now MODERATE. Pockets of HIGH to VERY HIGH wildfire danger remain in northern portions of the Grande Prairie area.
 
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
 
Fire Restriction wide-1
 
As of 10:00 AM, Friday May 26, the fire ban and OHV restriction have been lifted in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.  

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

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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   

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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. 

We ask residents to stay out of areas that have been burned by the wildfires in the area. Wildfires will make the root systems of trees weak, and any amount of wind will affect the trees in the area. Falling trees will be an ongoing hazard and for residents’ safety you should avoid the burned-out areas.
Firefighters will be actively working on and around properties extinguishing hotspots, please give them the space they need to work.

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.

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HErc
 
The C-130 Hercules arrived yesterday and is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin. The Coulson Hercules is one of the world’s most powerful aerial firefighting aircraft due to its range, versatility, and suppression. This aircraft has a 4,000-gallon capacity.
 
 
 Volunteer Information

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.

  Emergency Alert
 
Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency
 
Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
 
Preparing in advance can keep you safe and comfortable, and help you get back to your normal life and work more quickly. It also helps others because emergency responders can focus on helping those who need it the most.
 
Find active alerts, archived alerts, and details about the Alberta Emergency Alert system here. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Translation services are available to provide information services in languages other than English.
 
Drones 

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

Drones Message
 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

 

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