Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update August 12, 2022

Posted on Fri, Aug 12, 2022

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

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GRANDE PRAIRIE FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | August 15, 2022 AT 10:30 AM

The Grande Prairie Forest Area  has listed two active wildfire, one as under control (UC) and the other being held (BH).  Since March 1, 2022 there have been 42 wildfires burning nearly 95 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.  

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca).

For the an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

JFR 2022

Junior Forest Ranger Program

Submitted by: Grace Boudreau from the 2022 Grande Prairie JFR crew

The Junior Forest Ranger Program is a summer job for 16-18 year olds. It centers around wildfire, forestry and outdoor work. The crew members are sent to one of the many fire bases around Alberta and stationed there for the summer. The first week is dedicated to training in Hinton, so each "jiffer" is prepared and trained for the job. They live and work at the fire base until they return home at the end of the summer.

Led by crew leaders, the crews participate in jobs like trail maintenance, tree planting, bird banding, career investigation, etc. The crews are also sent on fun adventures like riding in a HAC helicopter, climbing a lookout tower, camping, bushcraft, etc. What each crew does depends on where they are stationed, but every crew comes back for Bull of the Woods (a tournament full of contests between the JFR crews)

There are also many opportunities to learn more about careers in wildfire and forestry. Anywhere from fish and wildlife, to becoming a HAC member, the program is designed to be a stepping stone in each member's journey and an opportunity to start a career.

'I'm glad I've gotten to experience the program as my first job. I've really enjoyed working outside all summer, having fun, and being shown different career options for the future. I would recommend this job for people interested in forestry and wildfire.'

Wildfire Prevention

Cleaning Baler

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry fuels to ignite into a wildfires and spread easily.

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Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire.  Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.
Albertans living or working in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit by contacting your local forestry office or using the new, convenient online Fire Permit Portal. 

County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648
Spirit River – (780) 814-1983
Valleyview – (780) 524-6576

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Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832 7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Please subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

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