Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Wildfire Update- July 2, 2021 PM

Written by Kelly Burke | Jul 2, 2021 9:43:28 PM

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

Wildfire Situation

Since March 1, 2021 there have been 58 wildfires burning over 63 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

Widespread rainfall gives a temporary cool down and good coverage to dampen the forest fine fuels in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, but the potential for wildfires remain. 

Drought conditions and record heat along with a forecast of gusty winds 20-40 km/h will cause extreme fire behaviour and allow fires to grow rapidly.

Wildfire crews will be out today checking lightning hot spots for new wildfires. At this time of year when lightning fires are occurring, it's important to be extra careful with fire and limit the number of human-caused wildfires.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in place for Grande Prairie Forest due to hot and dry conditions, which will increase the fire danger. The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or change.

Under this restriction:

  • Existing fire permits are suspended;
  • All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

Prohibited:

  • Wood campfires on public land
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

  • Wood campfires on private land
  • Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
  • Backyard fire pits on private land
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques
  • Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices

 

  • Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. 


    Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning most wildfires are preventable. Take extra caution when working or recreating in forested areas. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have a collapsible shovel and water available. Report a Wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473).

    Fire Permits

    A fire restriction is in effect, all active permits are suspended including burn barrels and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions change.

    Check Alberta Fire Bans for the most up to date information on advisories, restrictions and bans in your area. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.

     

    From March 1st until October 31st, fire permits are required for any burning except campfires in the Forest Protection Area (FPA).

    • County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648 

    • Spirit River – (780) 814-1983 

    • Valleyview – (780) 524-6576

    If you spot a wildfire call 310-FIRE.


     
    In order to be prepared for any new wildfires, crews have been stationed strategically throughout the area so they can quickly and efficiently fight fires. We are searching for new fires by aerial patrol and lookout personnel will constantly watch from their tower sites for new fires.
     
               
     
    For more information:

    Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

    (780) 832 7235

    kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

    Phone: 1-866-394-3473

    wildfire.alberta.ca
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