Grande Prairie Area Update (79)

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is EXTREME. We are currently responding to multiple out of control wildfires in the Grande Prairie forest area.

GWF029 is currently classified as out of control at 90 hectares. It is located approximately 13 kilometer northwest of Valhalla. This fire is moving east, driven by strong winds, and is showing extreme fire behaviour. County of Grande Prairie and Alberta wildfire crews are responding with helicopters bucketing. Heavy equipment will work through the night to build fire guard.

GCU007 Alberta wildfire is assisting the County of Grande Prairie with an out of control wildfire 4 kilometers east of the town of Teepee Creek. Firefighters and heavy equipment are on scene. This wildfire is currently burning away from the community.

GWF029-1 GWF029 - May 10, 2024

A Red Flag Watch is now in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.

To help prevent wildfires in the coming days:

Grasses and other fine fuels can ignite quickly under windy conditions. If you are operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) use caution, clear your hot spots, and carry a collapsible bucket and shovel. Sparks from rocks hitting heavy machinery, dragging chains and welding operations are all high-risk activities.

Do not operate equipment in tall grass and keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available.

Industry is reminded that build-up of carbon within the flare stacks result in hot embers being released into surrounding dry grass. Inspect and maintain the ignition devices to ensure operation is within appropriate parameters.

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 27 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 82 hectares.

GCU 006 is classified is now being held, estimated to be 2.5 ha Alberta wildfire is currently assisting the County of Grande Prairie with a wildfire 7.2 kilometers south of Bezanson.

The cause of this fire was from a burn pile from two years ago, this is the second fire that has re-kindled after more than 24 months from when it was lit. The county is urging landowners that have completed burning in the last two years to re-check those burn areas for heat.

For additional information, please visit Countygp.ab.ca.

2023 carryover wildfires

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

Fire Ban wide

A fire ban is in place for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry conditions and expected weather.

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

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

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week 2024 is a national event in Canada that takes place during the first full week of May. This year, it runs from May 5 to May 11, 2024. The theme for this year’s event is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.”

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

During times of high wildfire danger, grass fires can start and spread fast. It is important to use caution while working or recreating in Alberta’s forests.

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 9, 2024, unless conditions change.

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca