The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is HIGH.
As of June 1, 2023 @1500hrs the status of the wildfires within the Sturgeon Lake Complex has been updated to under control. Under control means that suppression efforts have ensured the wildfire will not spread any further. Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor those under control.
Wildfire Situation | June 1, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 34 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 28,959.00 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, two are under control (UC), four are being held (BH) and 30 have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
The first day (Photo of GWF017 taken May 5th, 2023)
GWF018
This wildfire 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 wildfire 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 and the total area involved is 28,802 hectares.
The Incident management team is compiling data and assessing all dozer guard. Alberta Wildfire, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the MD of Greenview are all working on reclamation plans and work will continue to clean up all areas of these fires.
GWF017 is estimated to be 5,752 hectares in size and classified as under control (UC).
GWF023 is estimated to be 3,869 hectares in size and classified as under control (UC).
GWF019 - Bald Mountain Fire is 19,435 hectares in size and classified as being held (BH). This fire is approximately 17 km west of Highway 40. The fire has crossed the Bald Mountain Road to the east and is near the intersection of Odum Ridge Road and Bald Mountain Road to the south.
Today there will be 158 firefighting personnel and support staff on site. Eight helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy machinery are assigned to these fires. Crews will continue to extinguish the perimeter to 100 feet and extinguish all hotspots that are a threat to new and existing containment lines. The team will continue to work toward 100% control of this fire and focus on any potential areas of unburnt fuel.
Unauthorized people are not permitted in or near an active fire perimeter, as displayed on this map below.
Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:
- The Grande Prairie Forest Area will not be issuing fire permits
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
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
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.
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
Please subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.