Grande Prairie Area Update (42)

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

A Red Flag Watch is now in effect due to extreme temperatures and elevated winds. A Red Flag Watch is issued in advance of critical fire danger.

Today, Winds of 15-20 kilometers per hour will develop in northern boreal regions early into the afternoon with gusts to 40 km/h likely for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. There is lightning forecast to move through our area today with the possibility of some precipitation that likely will not be enough rain to knock down fire activity.

Wildfires are especially dangerous to people who use forests and outdoor areas or live in nearby homes and communities. It is important to use caution while working or recreating in Alberta’s forests. Equipment fires, work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can ignite into a wildfire. When operating equipment, keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Chainsaws and yard equipment can cause fires too. Run these in the early morning hours or later in the evening when humidity is up, and winds are calmer.

Firefighters urge everyone to report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

310-FIRE flames trees

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 44 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 182.10 hectares.

GCU009 - Alberta wildfire is assisting Saddle Hills County with a wildfire located 11 kilometers southwest of Spirit River. Firefighting crews along with helicopters with buckets have been dispatched and are currently working to suppress the fire behavior. At this time, there is no threat to homes or structures in Saddle Hills County. For more information check out saddlehills.ab.ca.

A fire ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Grande Prairie Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.

Alberta Parks implements fire bans in provincial parks and recreation areas. For information on current bans within the provincial parks, visit www.albertaparks.ca.

If you are found in violation of the ban, you could be fined up to $5,000 and held liable for all firefighting costs associated with an unintended wildfire.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if a fire ban or restriction is in place in your area.

Fire Ban wide

Under this fire ban:

All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.
No new fire permits will be issued.
Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits.
Barbeque charcoal briquettes.
Fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed:

Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances.
Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Smoke

Firesmoke.ca is an online tool that tracks wildfire smoke. Visit this site to view where the smoke is coming from and how long it is expected to linger. If you have health related concerns, please call Health Link at 811.

When extreme heat and wildfire smoke events occur simultaneously, health risks from heat are more dangerous. Keeping cool should always be your priority.

Choosing the correct fire-resistant plants and materials can bring curb appeal and also help reduce your wildfire risk. FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPING FOR YOUR HOME

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 July 19, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca