Grande Prairie Area Update

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

(GWF077 - Danger trees falling on the dozer guard 8/6/2024)

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 80 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 373 hectares. Of the 80 wildfires, 71 have been extinguished, two are out of control, five are under control, one is being held and one is listed as turned over to the responsible party.

GWF075 is currently classified as out of control at 25 hectares. It is located approximately 4.2 kilometers southwest of Albright Lake and 5.2 kilometers west of range road 130.

Today, the heavy equipment working on the fire has completed the dozer guard. Three ground crews are working hotspots along the perimeter using hand tools and pump and hose. No rain was observed on this wildfire overnight precipitation. Firefighting efforts are favorable today with low wind speeds and higher humidity. No growth has been observed on this wildfire in the past 24 hours. 

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. 

Heavy equipment has completed the fire guard around the perimeter. Currently, four fire crews work to extinguish this wildfire with the help of helicopters with buckets and water trucks. No rain was received on this wildfire overnight, but firefighting efforts are favorable today with the very high humidity and low wind speeds. As of this time, no growth has been observed on this wildfire in the past 24 hours. 

Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

When you fly a drone over or near an Alberta wildfire, you’re breaking the law, endangering firefighting personnel and may cause firefighting operations to stop.

Transport Canada explicitly prohibits the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones of any size near a wildfire. Under CARS 601.15 all wildfires are considered to be automatically “flight restricted” according to the federal Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Under Alberta’s Forest and Prairie Protection Act, anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts (including flying drones) can face an automatic court appearance.

A fire restriction is in place for 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 7, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  
  
             
   
   

  Subscribe to the Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.

  Phone: 1-866-394-3473