Grande Prairie Area Update (21)

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

New wildfires may occur with the expected lightning activity. Fire lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 94 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 409.39 hectares. Of the 94 wildfires, 80 have been extinguished, one has been turned over to the responsible party, seven are being held and six are under control. To view these wildfires on a map, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

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. Wildfire crews continue to work on hotspots exposed by heavy equipment along the perimeter. Two wildfire crews and one helicopter are assigned to this wildfire.

GWF077 is now classified as being held at 159 hectares as of 4 p.m. today. This wildfire was detected August 3, 2024, 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. Three helicopters and four wildfire crews are assigned to this wildfire.

Firefighting crews continue to seek out and extinguish hotspots along the perimeter. Dangerous firefighting conditions remain due to falling trees and large ash pits.

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Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Drones are not allowed to be flown within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe for aircraft to be flying with drones in the air. Interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance.

See Transport Canada's Forest fires and drones fact sheet for more information.

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

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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 15, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca