Grande Prairie Area Update (35)

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

As of 4:00 p.m. July 29, 2024, the Fire Ban for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is lifted. A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in effect.

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.

MOU July 29, 2024

Fire Restriction wide-1

A fire restriction is in place for the Grande Prairie, Edson and parts of Whitecourt Forest Areas.

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 Information

Since January 1, 2024, 72 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning nearly 200 hectares. The potential for numerous lightning-caused fires will continue to be a concern over the next few days. Since winds are expecting to be gusty and forest fuels are extremely dry, any strikes may smolder and new lightning-caused wildfires are possible. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

At this time, 3 active wildfires are in the forest protection area, two are listed as under control and one is turned over to the responsible party.

Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

For an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level concentration of smoke particles from wildfires.

Getting the information at the right time helps you respond quickly and appropriately. Get alerts by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app and visit alerts and advisories to learn what other alerting services are available.

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx for information on Evacuations and Alerts.

Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App: Apple or Google Play

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 2, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca