Grande Prairie Area Update

A big stand out during the 2023 wildfire season was the impact of wildfires caused by lightning. They represented 35 per cent of wildfires but accounted for 1,750,867 of hectares burned, almost 80 per cent of the total burned this season.

Many of the large lightning caused wildfires are still burning. Dry, warm and windy conditions can cause wildfires to flare up and become active, no matter the time of year.

Use caution when lighting fires and doing burn projects this winter. A holdover fire can occur due to the extremely dry conditions of the ground. Firefighters continue to respond to wildfires in the winter.

If you see smoke or flames; or detect hotspots and ground fire in a forested area, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages citizens to take actions that increase their home, neighborhood and community’s resilience to wildfire. Groups can also apply for a $500 award to fund their Prep Day events.

FireSmart™ Canada, in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), and The Co-operators supports this annual event by offering the $500 award.

In 2023, 230 neighborhoods in 10 provinces and two territories received an award. Get event ideas and materials to promote your event.

Applications for Prep Day 2024 is now open.

Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We hire a variety of positions, and a number of these positions are now available to apply on. Check out our website to learn more!

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire-recruitment

Wildfire information

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on reporting wildfire, fire bans and fire updates across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

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Safe winter burning 
 
Fire permits are not required for burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta from November 1 to March 1. Even though a fire permit is not required, you are still responsible for all fires you ignite. 

Consult local municipalities and authorities on how you can lessen impacts when undertaking larger winter burning projects near communities or roadways.
Stay active with all burn projects. Burning debris in stages will allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke.

Learn how to safely burn brush, vegetation or woody debris on your property. https://www.alberta.ca/safe-burning

How to reduce smoke

While winter is a safer time for burning due to reduced wildfire danger, it's still essential to take necessary precautions, such as monitoring the weather to prevent smoke from adversely affecting surrounding areas. Do not burn when an inversion is in place or is forecasted. 

On cold winter days, inversions and other weather factors can cause smoke from a winter burn to stay close to the ground and travel great distances. An inversion happens when cold air is trapped near the ground by a layer of warmer air above it. Inversions can cause dangerous driving conditions and impact nearby communities.

For more information contact:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  
  
             
   
   

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

  Phone: 1-866-394-3473