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

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

Wildfire Situation | June 14, 2023 

Since January 1, there have been 42 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA) burning over 140,941 hectares.

There are 10 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires, three are classified as out of control (OC), four are under control (UC) and three are being held (BH). To see a map of the wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area and across the province please click here.

GWF039  This wildfire saw low fire behaviour over the past few days and firefighters were able to make progress on containment lines. Currently, this wildfire is classified as being held (BH) and is estimated to be 94 hectares in size, with 85 per cent of the fire contained. Currently, dozer guard has been established around most of the fire, but slope and terrain has been a challenge on the southwest flank of the fire. Heavy equipment and crews are working on this wildfire and will have a helicopter with a bucket supporting. GWF039 is located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Grovedale. 

GWF041 is now classified as being held (BH). This wildfire is estimated to be 6.5 ha in size and located 7.5 kilometers northwest of Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. Crews are deployed to this fire, heavy equipment is being utilized in making a fire guard around the perimeter.

GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex GCX002

The Boone Lake Complex is made up of two fires and the total area involved is 7,250 hectares. 

GWF035 is located 20 kilometers north of Valhalla Center near the northeast side of Boones Lake. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,300 hectares in size and is classified as out of control (OC). The fire's perimeter is 100 per cent wrapped by dozer guard. 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. A heavy helicopter is now assigned to this wildfire. Currently, 50 firefighters are working on this wildfire reinforcing the guard. 

GWF027 & GWF040 - Eagle Complex WCX001

GWF040 is listed as under control (UC) at 1.3 hectares. GWF 027 is classified as out of control (OC). It is estimated to be 55,325 ha in size 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 3,889 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 kilometers west of Highway 40. This wildfire has been determined to be caused by lightning.

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:

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.

 

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.