Grande Prairie Area Update (24)

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

We are currently responding to multiple out of control wildfires in the Saddle Hills County area. These wildfires were detected today after a storm cell moved through and produced dry lightning. Cloud-to-ground lightning can strike the surface and spark a wildfire, especially if the vegetation is dry.

Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme burning. Warm and windy conditions are expected for the next several days.

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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, 78 have been extinguished, three are out of control, one has been turned over to the responsible party, and six are under control.

GWF090 is currently classified as out of control at 1.5 hectares. This wildfire is located 0.2 kilometers west of range road 102 and 4.4 kilometers southwest of Boone Lake. Currently, wildfire crews are responding with a helicopter with a bucket, this wildfire is under investigation.

GWF091 is currently classified as being held at 0.01 hectares. This wildfire is located 1.25 kilometers west of spring lake road and 0.2 kilometers east of the Southeast corner of Jake Fish Lake. This wildfire is suspected to be caused by a lightning strike earlier today and no control issues are anticipated at this time.

GWF092 is currently classified as being held at 0.01 hectares. This wildfire is located 11 kilometers southeast of Ksituan Lake and 5 kilometers west of Range Road 90A. Firefighters with a helicopter and bucket are responding to this wildfire, no control issues are anticipated at this time.

GMD003 Alberta wildfire is providing assistance with 0.01 hectares wildfire in the Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133. This wildfire is located 2.0 Kilometers north is Highway 49 and approximately 13 kilometers northwest of Rycroft. A night vision helicopter and a heavy helicopter with bucket worked to suppress this wildfire. No control issues are anticipated, and no communities or structures are threatened.

GWF075 is currently classified as out of control at 49.2 hectares. It is located approximately 4.2 kilometers northeast of Albright Lake and 5.2 kilometers east of range road 130.

Today, firefighting crew worked on the south flank as the night vision helicopter detected the fire spreading outside the guard, the night vision helicopter was able to put 10 tank loads on the area. No other concerns were detected overnight.

Air tanker groups continue to put water, foam and fire retardant down on this wildfire. The CL215T groups are again working from Jack Fish Lake. Crews have been working along the perimeter to reinforce the new widened guard.

GWF077 is currently classified as out of control at 159 hectares. It 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.

A night vision helicopter continued focused tanking on a spot fire to the south of the main burn, no other spots were detected outside of the perimeter but the perimeter to the west was found to be very hot and aircraft are focusing efforts here.

Firefighters are working in extreme heat conditions but are holding the guard and extinguishing hotspots along the perimeter with the use of water trucks, pump and hose and hand tools. Crews have worked to reinforce the guard in the north and west. 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.

Aircraft near water

Depending on the location of a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may need to use water from nearby lakes as a source of water to help fight wildfires. Often, these aircraft arrive without advanced warning. If you are in the water and see an aircraft coming in to collect water, please move within 30 m from the shore so these aircraft can safely resume firefighting efforts. Help us by staying out of the way when aircraft are around. Click here to learn more.

Night vision helicopters

Led by trained firefighters, NIVS helicopters are used to fight wildfires at night. All crew in the helicopter have night vision goggles on. The goggles amplify light up to 60,000 times allowing them to navigate, see hazards, identify active parts of a wildfire. This helicopter tank has a 900 litre holding capacity.

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 12, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca