Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update September 14, 2023

Posted on Thu, Sep 14, 2023

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

Increased fire behavior is expected for the northern parts of our forest area where no rain was received.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Firefighters are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Assistance from the public plays a vital role in detecting wildfires. Calling 310-FIRE is quick and easy and is available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you see a wildfire or suspicious smoke, make the call. The 310-FIRE line was created as way for the public to report wildfires in the forested areas. If you see fire within an active wildfire perimeter, no need to report it. 

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Fire Advisory banner

A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
 
Due to above seasonal temperatures with dry and windy conditions. Current fire permits remain valid.  Any new fire permits may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
Prohibited:
 
Any burning without a valid fire permit, 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.

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Wildfire Situation

There are currently eight wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. All of these wildfires are under control (UC). No new wildfire starts have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Since January 1, there have been 64 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA), burning nearly 141,400 hectares. 

Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

GWF018 is classified as under control (UC) at 49,328 hectares. It is being managed by the Peace River Forest Area. 

GWF019 is known as the Bald Mountain fire. It is classified as under control (UC) at 19,435 hectares. This wildfire is approximately 17 kilometers west of Highway 40.

GWF027 is classified as under control (UC) at 54,988 hectares.

GWF039 is located approximately 60 km southwest of Grovedale. It is classified as under control (UC) at 94 hectares. 

GWF049 is located 17 km east of Valleyview and is currently classified as under control (UC) at 50 hectares.

GWF017 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)

GWF017 is classified as under control (UC) at 5,479 hectares. 

GWF023 is classified as under control (UC) at 3,889 hectares.

GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex (GCX002)

GWF035 is located 20 km north of Valhalla Center, near the northeast side of Boone Lake. This wildfire is 872 hectares in size and is classified as under control (UC). 

GWF038 is located 10 km west of Deadwood Lake, in Township 77-10. This wildfire is 7,148 hectares and classified as under control (UC).

Wildfire Smoke 

Wildfires continue to burn in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Smoky conditions are expected to persist. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. Individuals experiencing smoke related health issues can contact Alberta Health. To see a map showing the smoke forecast please click here.  

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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OHV Safety

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. Debris heated by the exhaust system can inadvertently start a wildfire when it falls to the ground. 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.

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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:

kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832-7235

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310-FIRE (3473)
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