Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - April 30, 2021

Posted on Fri, Apr 30, 2021

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The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is now MODERATE. High wind can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly. 

Check winter burn 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. Using your hand, feel for heat over the ash pile. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Drench any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes.

Wildfire Situation

Since March 1, 2021 there have been 24 wildfires  burning 52.5 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires, 22 wildfires have been extinguished, one is under control and one listed as turned over to the responsible party. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

 

April 25 59 ha complete

Hazard Reduction Burning

The Sturgeon Lake Fire Department and Agriculture and Forestry hazard reduction burning is complete. This has been another successful year of hazard reduction burning for the community of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. All involved worked hard to reduce the risk of man-caused fires by removing 59 hectares of fine fuel loading along ditches, open fields and other recreation areas.

April 25 Mop up

Fire permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. To request your fire permit, contact the local forest area. Burning is not permitted during windy condition. You can be held responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. Permit conditions state that lighting a fire with sustained wind over 12km/hr is not permitted. Any fire started in these conditions will be difficult to control. If you are found burning without a fire permit, you may be fined $600 or more. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.
 
County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648
 
Spirit River – (780) 814-1983
 
Valleyview – (780) 524-6576

 

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Download the new 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. Available for Apple and Android.

 

Unless conditions change, you can expect the next update on May 6, 2021.

For more information

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

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