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

Some good news to share today as the Bald mountain fire (GWF 019) burning approximately 17 km west of Highway 40 is now “under control.” A wildfire is deemed under control when it is completely contained within an established perimeter it is no longer growing or spreading, and is moving toward being extinguished.

A red flag fire watch remains in effect for the Grande Prairie forest area. A red flag watch is issued when warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are expected. This means we will likely see increased fire behaviour.   

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

Wildfire Situation | June 11, 2023 

Since January 1, there have been 40 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA) burning over 136,000 hectares.

There are six wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires, three are classified as out of control (OC), three are under control (UC).  To see a map of the wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area and across the province please click here.

Smoke may be visible in parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area as two wildfires the Peavine Creek and the W KISKATINAW RIVER wildfire   remain classified as out of control. Currently, the Peavine Creek wildfire is currently being managed by a BC Incident Management Team and within 1km of the Alberta border. Alberta Wildfire will continue to work closely with BC Wildfire and the County of Grande Prairie to ensure Alberta is prepared should this wildfire cross the border. For more information please visit BC wildfires of note here.

 

GWF039  Overnight this wildfire did receive about 10 millimeters for rain. This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) and is estimated to be 93 hectares in size with 30 percent of the fire contained. Currently, dozer guard has been established on the east flank of the fire. Heavy equipment and crews are working on this wildfire and will have helicopter with a bucket supporting. GWF039 is located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Grovedale. 

Fair and stable weather is forecast for Sunday and Monday as high pressure builds in from the west. A low will move over central Alberta on Tuesday which should give significant rainfall to the region through Wednesday.

GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex GCX002

The Boone Lake Complex is made up of two fires and the total area involved is 6,200 hectares. 

GWF035 is located 20km north of Valhalla Center near the northeast side of Boones Lake. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,200 hectares in size and is classified as Out Of Control (OC). Yesterday, this wildfire did not receive any precipitation and saw moderate fire behaviour. This wildfire is currently 70 percent contained with control lines. The south perimeter is held adjacent to Boone Lake and is being supported with a long term retardant, helicopter bucketing and heavy equipment and ground resources. Currently, 50 firefighters are working this wildfire reinforcing the guard. 

(22 person Unit crew - USA hotshot crews from Boise Idaho)

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 & GWF040 - Eagle Complex WCX001

GWF040 is listed as being held (BH) at 1.3 hectares. Two unit crews with assistance from army personnel are making progress in securing containment guard around this wildfire. GWF 027 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 interior of active wildfires can flare up as previously unburnt vegetation catches fire. This is a normal occurrence. Firefighters are monitoring these active fires and are working to put out hot spots. There is no need to report flame or smoke in these areas. 

As of June 1, 2023 the status of the wildfires within the Sturgeon Lake Complex has been updated to under control. 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 under control (UC). This fire is approximately 17 km west of Highway 40. This wildfire has been determined to be a lightning cause fire.

AIRCRAFT NEAR WATER

Depending on the location of a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may need to use water from nearby lakes as a source of water to help fight wildfires. Often, these aircraft arrive without advanced warning. If you are in the water and see an aircraft coming in to collect water, please move within 30 m from the shore so these aircraft can safely resume firefighting efforts. Aircraft are large and require space to collect water, without interference from people and boats. Help us by staying out of the way when aircraft are around. Click here to learn more.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in effect. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:

• 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.

 

WILDFIRE SMOKE ISSUES

 

Smoke from wildfires may hang low to the ground at night and into the early morning due to temperature inversions. A temperature inversion is when warm air "caps" cooler air, causing smoke to be trapped in valley bottoms at night and into the early morning. The trapped smoke generally begins to lift after the sun rises and heats the earth's surface. Inversions can be very dangerous for road conditions and surrounding communities. Visibility can be limited. 

 

Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia, smoky conditions will persist. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

 

If you see smoke that is causing safety concerns to road conditions, please report to Alberta 511. Individuals experiencing smoke related health issues can contact Alberta Health. To see a map showing the smoke forecast please click here. 

 

VOULUNTEER INFORMATION

 

Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca. 

 

Download the Alberta Wildfire APP today and get access to accurate, real-time information on active wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. 

Available for Apple and Android.