Grande Prairie Area Update

Grande Prairie Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 8, 2024

Posted on Mon, Jul 08, 2024

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The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is  VERY HIGH. 

Due to the continuing hot and dry conditions, a Fire Advisory is effective 2 p.m. today, July 8 for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Daytime highs near 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 14 degrees. Winds are expected to be NW 15-20 kilometers per hour and gusty at times.

Widespread crossover conditions are expected today. 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.

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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. 

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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.

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

To learn more FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.


Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 37 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 176 hectares. In the past 24 hours, one new wildfire to report, this wildfire was 0.01 hectares in size and was quickly extinguished with help from the Grovedale Fire Department. 

2023 carryover wildfires

There is currently one carryover fire still 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.

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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.


 

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Flames and radiant heat can break the glass in a window and allow fire to enter the interior of a home. Gaps at the top, bottom and edges of exterior doors (front door, garage door, etc.) can allow embers to enter and ignite combustible materials within the home and garage. 

To learn more, check out this FireSmart fact sheet: windows and doors

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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 9, 2024, unless conditions change.


Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

 

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