Grande Prairie Area Update (49)

The warming trend will continue tomorrow, as a surface low develops over northeastern British Columbia. Strong westerly winds are expected to gust up to 40 kilometers per hour.

Widespread crossover conditions are expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior. In these conditions, a wildfire can still start easily and spread quickly.

Grande Prairie Forest Area / Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 39 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 176 hectares.

Today, Alberta Wildfire assisted BC wildfire on a border zone fire GBZ002. This fire is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Dawson Creek. Alberta wildfire crews worked on the ground, helicopters were bucketing and an airtanker made drops of retardant.

GWF038 was detected today located in the Deep Valley area, just off the Encana 1510 Road. This wildfire is currently listed as being held and is burning under the ground. Crews will work with heavy equipment to dig up the deep ash pits and extinguish the burning peat. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

GWF039 was detected today, located 21 kilometers northwest of Debolt. The local fire department and Alberta Wildfire responded. This wildfire is currently listed as Being Held and no control issues are anticipated.

Thank you to the people who called in wildfires today using 310-FIRE (3473).

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.

Under this advisory:

- Fire permits for heavy burning and fireworks will not be issued.

- Existing heavy burning permits are suspended.

- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for light burning only.

Permitted:

- Safe wood campfires.

- Backyard fire pits.

- Portable propane fire pits.

- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues.

- Catalytic or infrared style heaters.

Prohibited:

- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

2023 carryover wildfires

There is currently one carryover fire from the 2023 wildfire season. GWF-018 2023 is listed as under control. Areas of this wildfire have remaining hotspots and are being monitored by firefighters.

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.

Use outdoor equipment that may cause sparks safely, and always keep watch for fire when operating. During dry periods, metal blades can strike rocks and create sparks. Watch out for rocks during mowing operations and avoid mowing around dead grass and weeds.

Keep off highway vehicles properly maintained and when working or recreating in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), be prepared to extinguish an accidental fire by having water and a shovel available.

Do your part to prevent wildfire, never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. Always carry firefighting equipment (water and shovel) when traveling in the forest Protection Area.

Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a wildfire in a forested area.

Combustible wood fences and boardwalks create a direct line to your home and can contribute to the spread of wildfire. To learn more, check out this FireSmart fact sheet: Fences

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 10, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca