Grande Prairie Area Update May 9, 2023

The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH

Another good day of fighter fighting with light winds and higher humidity in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Tomorrow light winds are expected again but a return of crossover conditions and lightning have been forecast. In the coming days a return of hot and dry conditions will increase fire activity.

A fire ban and OHV restriction remain in effect and firefighters urge everyone to continue using caution and to report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire Situation | May 9, 2023

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 24 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 13,449 hectares. Of these fires, four are listed as out of control (OC), four are under control, two are being held, two have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 12 of these fires have been extinguished,

To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX-001 – (GWF017) (GWF023)

GWF017 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.

GWF023 is classified as out of control (OC) is estimated to be 1,189 ha. Municipal structural protection along with Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is assisting with this wildfire. The focus for firefighters is to control wildfire spread as heavy equipment build containment lines all along the perimeter of the fires. Crews with helicopters continue to bucket water on this fire.

Dozer guard construction is progressing with 60% containment being established. These fires have had minimal fire activity for the past 24 hours. More resources are being assigned with sustained action crews and an out of province incident management team arriving this week.

Bald Mountain Fire - GWF 019 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 8,362 ha in size. Firefighters continue to monitor this wildfire, heat was observed on five areas of the perimeter with more active fire within the burn area. No substantial growth of the fire has been observed in the past 24 hours.

The Dunes West Wildfire - we are assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a mutual aid wildfire in the dunes area 8 km southeast of Dimsdale. Resources continue to arrive to provide assistance in containing this out of control (OC) wildfire. The estimated size was mapped at 1,500.00 ha, no growth of this fire has been observed in the past 24 hours.

For information call the Dunes West Wildfire Information line at 1-825-606-5092.
info@gprepeoc.com and for updates check GPREP here.

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.

DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES
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 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

OHV Restriction banner

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.

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

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

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

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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Grande Prairie Area Update