Grande Prairie Area Update (19)

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

Since January 1, 2024, 96 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 409 hectares. Of the 96 wildfires, 41 are considered human caused, while 40 of them were caused by lightning, the remaining 15 wildfires are under investigation.

The Forestry Crimes Unit coordinates forestry investigations within RCMP jurisdiction, and provides specialized wildfire expertise to detachment personnel and partner agencies.
If you have information related to suspicious fires in your area, please contact your local RCMP detachment, police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com.

Wildfire Information

To view all wildfires on a map, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. Wildfire crews continue to monitor all active wildfire in the area and action hotspots when found.

GWF096 is a 0.01 hectare lightning caused wildfire that was detected today. It is located 27 kilometers south west of Spirit River near the Saddle River banks. Access to the wildfire was very poor but early detection and quick work by the crew brought the wildfire to a being held status. Firefighters and a helicopter with bucket continue to work to extinguish this wildfire.

GWF075 is now classified as being held at 44.6 hectares (updated GPS). It is located approximately 4.2 kilometers northeast of Albright Lake and 5.2 kilometers east of range road 130. No growth was observed on this wildfire, although many hotspots remain, especially on the east and south flanks. Wildfire crews continue to work with heavy equipment breaking apart burnt trees and ground, exposing the hotspots for crews to extinguish. Two wildfire crews and two helicopters with buckets and various pieces heavy equipment are assigned to this wildfire.

GWF077 is now classified as being held at 159 hectares as of August 14. This wildfire was detected August 3, and is located approximately 6.9 kilometers south of highway 49, 2.8 kilometers west of range road 102 and 9.7 kilometers southeast of the Saddle Hills landfill. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries given the current weather and firefighting resources. An infrared scan of this wildfire found that it remains very hot, especially along the south and west flanks. Wildfire crews continue to work with heavy equipment and water trucks. Three helicopters and four wildfire crews are assigned to this wildfire.

Smoke from wildfires in the northern areas of British Columbia and Alberta may continue to be present for the coming days. To find out more about where the smoke is coming from, visit Firesmoke.ca. If you have health related concerns, please call Health Link at 811.

For information on fire bans in Alberta, please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca or contact 311 for more information on fire bans, advisories and permits.

Fire Restriction banner

A fire restriction is in place for parts (fire control zones 27-30) of the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Under this restriction:

- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued

- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

- All outdoor wood fires

- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes

- The use of fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

- Safe wood campfires

- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques

- Propane/ natural gas-powered that is appliances CSA approved or UL certified

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.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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When wildfire danger is low to moderate, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily if fires are active and/or out of control.

Expect your next wildfire update on August 23, 2024, unless conditions change.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire,

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca