Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update August 24, 2022

Posted on Wed, Aug 24, 2022

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

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Wildfire Situation | August 24, 2022 - 3:30 PM

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A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
 
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel, incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not be issued until a significant amount of rain is received. Essential burning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
Prohibited:
• Without a valid fire permit, any burning other than a campfire is prohibited
 
Allowed:
• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
 
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
a)  be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
b)  have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
c)  have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
d)  Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
 
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

To view a map of the fire advisory area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.

There are four active wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Currently, the four wildfires that are active in the Grande Prairie Forest Area are classified as under control (UC). This indicates that the wildfires have been completely contained and will soon be extinguished. These wildfires do not threaten any community at this time and were determined to be caused by lightning. To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here.

Since March 1, 2022 there have been 52 wildfires burning nearly 96 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Smoky conditions in the province are being caused by recent wildfire starts as well as winds from BC wildfires. To learn more about smoke and where it's coming from visit firesmoke.ca

In the past 24 hours our area has received spotty and isolated precipitation giving relief to fine fuel danger today. Other fire weather indicators remain very high. Fire crews are stationed strategically and are ready to action any new fires.  Aerial patrols and our lookout personnel are watching from their tower sites for new and holdover lightning fires.

For the latest information on wildfires check out the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

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Bow Hunting begins August 25

Keep these tips in mind to be prepared and avoid the dangers of wildfires while hunting

  • Never leave a campfire unattended, always take the time to properly extinguish your campfire. Soak the fire with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again until no heat can be felt.
  • Hunters should always carry a shovel and water pail to put out any campfires they see left unattended.
  • Be careful with all motorized equipment, a build-up of dry grass and vegetation around the exhaust and engine hot spots can smolder and fall off into dry grass starting a wildfire.
  • Be on the lookout for fires. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cellular phone.

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Fire Prevention

When travelling on an off highway vehicle (OHV) stop regularly and check around the exhaust and wheel wells for any buildup of flammable material, especially after passing through tall grass or muskeg. When traveling through the Forest Protection Area during the fire season, carry a shovel or an axe and a receptacle of at least 5L liquid capacity. The wildfire danger is HIGH to VERY HIGH across the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Lightning related fires occurring in the late afternoon are common during this time of year. Please call 310-FIRE (3473) or #FIRE on your cell phone to report a wildfire.

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Wildfire Information

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on 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.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.

For information contact:

Emily Smith  | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 799-9253

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Report Wildfires
310-FIRE (3473)
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