Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update June 3, 2023

Posted on Sat, Jun 03, 2023

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpg

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

Smoke from Wildfires burning in North Eastern British Columbia is drifting South east into our forest area today. Expect smoke in the air for the next couple of days as multiple wildfires are burning within Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. 

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

 

EagleComplex-DozerGuardFoxCreekEastMay21-em

Wildfire Situation | June 3, 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), two are being held (BH) and 31 have been extinguished. With warm weather and an increase in winds expected this weekend, smoke from interior areas of the wildfires and along the perimeter may become more visible. Helicopters with buckets will action these areas and firefighters will continue to extinguish ground fires.

To see all wildfires on a map please click here.

Fireguard May 22 EWF-035

 

GWF018

This wildfire is currently classified as out of control (OC). 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.

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.

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. 

Today there will be 94 firefighting personnel and support staff on site. Two helicopters and nine 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.

Grovedale_Evac_May25_0900_lg-1200x776
 
A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in effect. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
 
Fire Restriction wide-1
 

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.

 
 Fire works
 

PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY

The provincial State of Emergency expires June 3, but provincial government support for communities, and resources and coordination to fight the fires, will not change. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx

 

 

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

 

 

Subscribe to Grande Prairie Area Updates