Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Area Update July 6, 2023

Posted on Thu, Jul 06, 2023

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The wildfire danger is MODERATE for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Wildfire Situation

At this time, there have been 48 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA) burning nearly 141,383 hectares. In the past 24 hours, there has been one new wildfire, which has been extinguished. Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor those under control.

There are ten wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Of these fires, one is classified as out of control (OC), seven are under control (UC) and two are being held (BH). For more information on the current wildfire situation for the province visit our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Forecast of wildfire smoke can be found at Fire Smoke Canada.

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GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex GCX002

The Boone Lake Complex is made up of two wildfires.

Firefighters continue to work on dozer guards and containment lines inside the perimeter of these wildfires. They are also monitoring for spot fires outside of the perimeter. The Boone Lake Complex is 95% contained with 55% controlled. Minimal spread is expected for the next several days and firefighters are making good progress with the fair weather we have been receiving. 

Currently, 115 firefighters, four helicopters with buckets and various types of heavy equipment are working on this complex.

GWF035 is located 20 kilometers north of Valhalla Center, near the northeast side of Boone Lake. This wildfire is now considered to be 100 percent contained with a guard and is estimated to be 872 hectares in size. This wildfire started June 4, 2023 and is classified as being held (BH). 

GWF038 is approximately 10 kilometers west of Deadwood Lake, in Township 77-10 and is moving east. This wildfire is now considered to be 90 percent contained with a guard and is estimated to be 7,148 hectares in size. This wildfire started June 6, 2023 and is classified as out of control (OC). This wildfire is still burning very hot with many hotspots and visible flame and smoke. 

Firefighting crews are working with helicopters and buckets to extinguish hotspots. Please stay out of the area as wildfire suppression operations are ongoing.

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GWF018  is currently classified as being held (BH). For more information about this fire please visit the Peace River Forest Area Update.

GWF039 is located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Grovedale. This wildfire was caused by lightning and is classified as under control (UC). It is estimated to be 94 hectares in size. At this stage, suppression efforts have ensured the wildfire will not spread any further. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire and extinguish hotspots when detected. 

GWF041 is now classified as under control (UC). This wildfire is estimated to be 22.5 hectares in size and located 7.5 kilometers northwest of Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor this fire and extinguish hotspots when reported.

GWF027 & GWF040 - Eagle Complex (WCX001)

GWF040 is listed as under control (UC) at 1.3 hectares.

GWF 027 is classified as Under Control (UC). It is estimated to be 54,988 hectares in size and is now part of the Eagle Complex, which is being managed by the Whitecourt Forest Area. For the most recent updates visit the Whitecourt Forest Area Update.

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GWF017, GWF019 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)

As of June 1, 2023 the status of the wildfires within the Sturgeon Lake Complex has been updated to under control.

GWF017 is estimated to be 5,479 hectares in size and classified as under control (UC). An infrared scan detected six hotspots and crews have been deployed to extinguish them. Additional heat scans will be done when scanning conditions improve. Alberta Wildfire uses various infrared technologies as a mapping tool to obtain the boundaries of ongoing fires and to determine the most effective location for air tanker drops on fires.

GWF019 is known as the Bald Mountain Fire and is 19,435 hectares in size and classified as under control (UC). This wildfire is approximately 17 kilometers west of Highway 40. It was caused by lightning.

GWF023 is estimated to be 3,889 hectares in size and classified as under control (UC).

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 are working to put out hot spots. There is no need to report flame or smoke in these areas.

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A FIRE RESTRICTION remains in effect for the northern part of the Grande Prairie Forest Area, within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Cities, towns, villages and summer villages as well as National Parks are exempt from this restriction.

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
  • Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

  • Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
  • Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
  • Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
  • Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
  • Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
  • All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards

 

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473)

AEMA

Emergency preparedness helps everyone. Being Emergency Ready  means we are better prepared to protect our families and communities during emergencies by knowing the risks, making a plan and building an emergency kit. 

 

For more wildfire information, please contact:
 
Provincial Information Officer
(780) 420-1968

Phone: 1-866-394-3473

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