Grande Prairie Area Update (66)

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is LOW. Widespread rain has brought temporary relief to the wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

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Wildfire Airspace Restrictions

Yesterday, fire management personnel received a report of a private aircraft flying within the wildfire Notam (Notice to Air Missions) area. Pilots are reminded to check Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flying during the wildfire season. Besides contributing to the risk of mid-air collision, the presence of unauthorized aircraft can seriously disrupt the work of the fire suppression crews. In many cases, small wildfires or fires with little smoke can be the center of intense aviation activity.

Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), the existence of a wildfire invokes automatic airspace restrictions, regardless of the presence or absence of suppression aircraft.

Section 601.15 of CARs stipulates that no unauthorized person is able to operate an aircraft over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of one, at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet above ground level.

A NOTAM does not need to be issued for an airspace restriction to be in effect.

Kleskun Creek Wildfire (GCU007) May 19, 2024.

Wildfire Information

Since January 1, 2024, 31 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 175.95 hectares.

The Kleskun Creek Fire (GCU 007) is 1,298 hectares and is now listed as under control. GCU 007 wildfire is now classified as under control which means that firefighters have the fire fully contained and it is not expected to grow. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.

Firefighting crews continue to work with pump hose and hand tools to extinguish this fire putting out pre-identified hotspots within the perimeter.

GWF029 This wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. This wildfire is now listed as under control at 93 hectares. Two firefighting crews continue to work with pump hose and hand tools to extinguish this fire putting hotspots within the perimeter.

2022 OHV Can cause wildfires Dirt Bike

2023 carryover wildfires

There are currently two carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires are listed as under control and are being monitored by firefighters.

Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires in northeast region of British Columbia and Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from.

Fire Ban wide

A fire ban is in place for the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Under this ban:
• All existing fire permits are suspended (or cancelled)
• No new fire permits will be issued

Prohibited:
• All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
• Backyard firepits
• BBQ charcoal briquettes
• The use of fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:
• Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
• Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
• Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
• All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

For more information: Fire Restriction Fact Sheet
MO-015 Fire Restriction (revised boundary) and MO-016 Fire Ban map

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FIRESMART BEGINS AT HOME

With so many neighborhoods in Canada threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes, cabins and properties.

We strongly encourage those with homes, cabins and other structures in or near the Forest Protection Area to FireSmart their properties and limit the impacts of a potential wildfire reaching your door step. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos.

FireSmart Canada has also developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more.

For those that have farm or acreages, this publication may be helpful to keep you FireSmart. Click on the link for the Farm and Acreage FireSmart Magazine.

wildfire app (2)

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on reporting wildfire, fire bans and fire updates across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire

Status Dashboard

The Forest Protection Area is divided into 10 forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area here or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.

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 May 24, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca