Grande Prairie Area Update (26)

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

A fire restriction remains in place for parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area (see here) Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors. A fire can ignite easily and will spread quickly. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

GWF075_Kari White_01 (GWF 075 8/9/2024 - Dozer guard)

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 85 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 381 hectares. Of the 84 wildfires, 74 have been extinguished, two are out of control, one is being held, and seven are under control.

GWF075 is currently classified as out of control at 25.5 hectares (updated GIS mapping). It is located approximately 4.2 kilometers northeast of Albright Lake and 5.2 kilometers east of range road 130.

Today, the fire behavior has increased to extreme behaviour, torching and spotting towards the north. The air tanker group of CL215t's again are working off of Jack Fish Lake. The established perimeter is holding; however, some spotting is occurring 200 - 400 meter on the northwest portion of the line. Tonight, a night vision helicopter will work on this wildfire along with a wildfire crew and heavy equipment to secure perimeter on priority hotspots. Tomorow additional firefighting resources will be arriving to help cold trail* and extinguish hotspots and work to extinguish the fire.

GWF075

(GWF075 - NW perimeter showing increased fire behaviour)

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.

Today, firefighting efforts are going well. Firefighters 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 in anticipation for the coming days fire weather predictions. Dangerous firefighting conditions remain due to falling trees and large ash pits.

Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Drones Message

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. Aircraft are large and require space to collect water, without interference from people and boats. Help us by staying out of the way when aircraft are around. Click here to learn more.

Night vision helicopters

Led by trained firefighters these helicopters are used to fight wildfires at night. Each helicopter is equipped with a snorkel and a tank. They can draw water from shallow water sources with depths ranging from 20 to 30 inches and the tanks have holding capacities of 900 to 3700 litres.

Alberta’s Forest Protection Area (FPA) covers approximately 60% of the province’s landmass. Alberta Wildfire is responsible for managing wildfires in this area. Wildfire protection in Alberta is shared between Alberta Wildfire (inside the FPA) and local municipalities and counties outside the FPA.

Each municipality has different bylaws to govern fire bans, restrictions, and advisories within their respective jurisdictions. National parks located within the province will also have authority to implement necessary fire restrictions. Alberta Parks impose fire bans in provincial parks and recreation areas in the region.

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 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.

Wildfire_DigitalSigns-03

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 10, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca