Grande Prairie Area Update

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).

(CL215t's 8/8/2024 - Skimming Jack Fish Lake for GWF077 -GWF075)

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 83 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 381 hectares. Of the 83 wildfires, 72 have been extinguished, two are out of control, one is being held, and seven are under control.

Two lightning fires that were found yesterday are now extinguished. With recent lightning activity, new wildfires may occur. Fire lookouts are watching for smoke, and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start. 

A high-level infrared scan will be conducted tonight by aircraft to determine if there are any other active spots of lightning holdover in the area and also look for hotspots outside the perimeter of existing fires. 

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

Today, an increase in fire behavior has prompted the use of another group of air tankers and helicopters bucketing. The CL215t's again are working off of Jack Fish Lake. Ground crews and heavy equipment continue to work with pump, hose and hand tools to hold the established perimeter.  

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.  Dangerous firefighting conditions remain due to falling trees and large ash pits.

Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Pilots are reminded to check Notice to Air Mission (NOTAMs) before flying during the wildfire season. Besides contributing to the risk of mid-air collision, the presence of unauthorized aircraft can seriously disrupt the work of the fire suppression crews. In many cases, small wildfires or fires with little smoke can be the center of intense aviation activity.

Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), the existence of a wildfire invokes automatic airspace restrictions, regardless of the presence or absence of suppression aircraft.

Section 601.15 of CARs stipulates that no unauthorized person is able to operate an aircraft over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of one, at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet above ground level. 

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.

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.

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 9, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

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  Phone: 1-866-394-3473