Grande Prairie Area Update (81)

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH. A Red Flag Watch is now in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. A Red Flag Watch is issued in advance of critical fire danger.

As of 2:00 P.M., Wednesday May 8, 2024. A fire ban is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there is a fire advisory, fire restriction or fire ban in effect for your destination.

Today's fire weather index is forecasted to have crossover. This is a time when the air temperature reading, and the relative humidity reading will be equal or "crossover". Crossover is an indicator of extreme burning conditions, gusty winds, combined with crossover conditions, mean that a fire started now could spread quickly and be difficult to control.

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, 26 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning 81 hectares. In the past 24 hours one new wildfire was detected

GWF 026 was detected yesterday evening and is located approximately 9 kilometers west of the 2000 road and the Simonette bridge junction. Wildland firefighters responded along with a water truck, two helicopters and air tankers to suppress the fire. This wildfire is currently under control meaning the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. Additional wildland firefighters with water trucks will continue to work to extinguish the fire today. This wildfire is listed at 1.3 hectares in size and the cause is under investigation.

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