Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update September 15, 2023

Posted on Fri, Sep 15, 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 area, especially Saddle Hills where no significant rain have been received in the past weeks. 

Firefighters continue to work on active wildfires. While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from fighting wildfires. As always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that large columns of smoke in burned over areas have already been detected and reported.
 
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 working to put out hot spots. There is no need to report flame or smoke in these areas.

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Wildfire Situation

A developing dry cold front from northern British Columbia will be moving into western boreal zones by late afternoon or early evening today.  Winds will be from the west south west at 20 km/h gusting to 50 at times. Temperatures today are forecast above seasonal, with relative humidity value of 20-25% with isolated 15% resulting in crossover conditions. Crossover conditions occur when the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature, which is an indicator of extreme burning conditions. A fire advisory is now effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. 

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.

 

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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).

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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.

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.  

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As hunters head out into forested areas this fall it is important to remember that small cooking and warming fires that are not properly extinguished can burn deep into the ground and holdover for the winter months. To avoid accidentally starting a spring wildfire, it's important to check all burn areas to ensure they are out. To properly extinguish a fire, completely soak the area with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again.

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.

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.

For information contact:

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

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Access Alberta Wildfire Info

Report Wildfires
310-FIRE (3473)
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