Grande Prairie Forest Area June 18, 2019 - Firefighters on high alert for new lightning caused wildfires

A steady increase in temperatures, low humidity and forecast wind of 40-70 km/hr has the wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area High. Yesterday we saw three lightning caused wildfires. Two of these are listed as extinguished and one is listed as under control with crews onsite doing mop-up. The Grande Prairie Forest Area has recorded 36 wildfires with a total of 10 hectares burned since wildfire season began March 1, 2019.

Gusty wind can cause extreme fire behaviour and allow fire to grow rapidly. Residents and visitors to the Grande Prairie Forest Area are urged to be extra cautious with fire at this time. Check AlbertaFirebans.ca where you are and please do your part to prevent wildfires.

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Grande Prairie Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area effective 1630 hrs. June 17, 2019

Due to above average temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds being forecast, a Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area of the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta.

Fire permits will be issued on a case by case basis.
The Fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

What is allowed:

Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire ring), backyards, or random camping areas

Charcoal briquettes

Portable propane fire pits

Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

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YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Check burned sites for possible hold-over fires. Improperly extinguished fires can flash back to life, especially during a wind event. Spread out remaining ash and probe the area for hot spots. If you see smoke or feel the heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Drench any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes.

Thank you for doing your part, if you spot a wildfire call 310-FIRE.

If you live within the Forest Protection Area, please contact your local Forestry office for a permit (780) 538-5560. Anyone living outside the Forest Protection Area can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements. Find more information on safe burning practices for brush piles and windrows here.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Area Update