Grande Prairie Area Update May 7, 2023

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

Wildfire Situation | May 7, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.

There are 25 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning 22, 410 hectares. Of these fires, five are classified as Out of Control (OC), two are Being Held (BH) and two are Under Control (UC).

At this time the Grande Prairie Forest Area appreciates the tremendous support and corporation from Industry, Municipalities and the public during this challenging wildfire situation. To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

GWF017 was detected on May 5 and is located 6 km West of Valleyview. At this time, this fire is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 3, 765 ha in size. This wildfire is located on both sides of Highway 43 and municipal structural protection is assisting with this wildfire. Dozer are working to establish a guarded perimeter on this fire.

GWF019 is located 21km west of Hwy 40 50 km South of Grande Prairie. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 10,000.00 ha in size.

GWF020 located 10km was detected on May 5 and is located 18 km south of Grande prairie. It is now classified as being held (BH) and estimated to be 30 ha in size. Air tankers along with fire crews are working to contain this wildfire.

GWF023 Located 7.5 km north west of Valleyview. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and estimated to be 1, 189 ha in size. Helicopters bucketing along with crews on the ground are working to contain this fire.

GCU003 we are assisting the County of Grande prairie with a mutual aid wildfire in the dunes area 8 km southeast of Dimsdale. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,700.00 ha in size and is listed as out of Control (OC). For updates please check GPRP here.

Hot, dry conditions continue in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. 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

(Two lakes Rd, Alberta May 6, 2023)

Alberta Emergency Alert has issued evacuation notices for:

The MD of Greenview has Updated the Evacuation Order due to Wildfire. This alert is in effect for Fox Creek to Little Smoky and all areas immediately surrounding these communities. Everyone near Fox Creek to Little Smoky and all areas immediately surrounding the area must evacuate to Whitecourt on Highway 43. A reception Centre is located at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre 58 Sunset Blvd.

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and M.D. of Greenview have expanded an Evacuation area.
This alert is in effect for everyone from Range Road 230 to Range Road 251, between Township Road 715 and Township Road 700, everyone around Sturgeon Lake, including everyone in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.

The County of Grande Prairie has updated a wildfire alert. The evacuation area has been expanded west to include all residents from Range Road 73 to Range Road 75 from Township Road 710 south to the Wapiti River.

Wildfire Alert in Saddle Hills County. There is an out of control wildfire burning in Saddle Hills County, in the Fourth Creek area, between Township road 840 and the Peace River, between Range Rd 75 and Range Rd 85.

If you need help evacuating call 780-524-3345. Updates on www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert and local media.

RED FLAG WATCH IN EFFECT FOR GRANDE PRAIRIE FIRE AREA

Fire danger conditions may have little change or downtrend today. Tuesday cooler temperatures and lower winds are expected.

For the an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

Find wildfire forecasts, weather maps and information about how fire danger is monitored in Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/fire-weather-and-forecasts.aspx

Fire Ban wide

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

Prohibited:

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

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.

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.

OHV Restriction banner

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to check if there is a fire advisory, fire restriction or fire ban in effect for your destination.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

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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