Wildfires of note

May 7, 2023

Posted on Sun, May 07, 2023

There are 14 wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.


EWF-031

  • Wildfire EWF-031 is located 14 km Southeast of Edson, Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area has been overrun by the wildfire. It is still classified as out of control at 77,920 hectares (ha).
  • Alberta Wildfire is responding with heavy equipment, four helicopters, and one ignition specialist with helicopter. Airtankers are available and two heavy helicopters for use in bucketing operations will arrive at the wildfire today. 

 Grizzly Complex (SWF-063)

  • This wildfire is located near the East Prairie Metis Settlement. It is  out of control at 56,500 ha.
  • Fire is is seven km from High Prairie and the Town is on one hour notice to evacuate.

 WCU001 / WCU002 – These wildfires will now be reported together 

  • This wildfire is the area of Evansburg/ Entwhistle/ Wildwood/ Hansonville. They are both classified as out of control at 8,586 hectares (WCU001) and 2,400 hectares (WCU002).
  • Alberta Wildfire has resources responding to this wildfire with 59 firefighters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment and nine helicopters.

HWF-030

  • This wildfire is located in the community of Fox Lake. It is classified as out of control at 16,390 hectares.
  • There is an Incident Management Team, 56 firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft responding to this wildfire.

GWF-017

  • Wildfire GWF-017 is located 3 km Southeast of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. It is classified as out of control at 1,700 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire is providing responding with 32 wildland firefighters (including one firetack crew), aircraft and heavy equipment.

HWF-036

  • This wildfire is located near the Rainbow Lake Community. It is classified as out of control at 11,900 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire is responding with 44 firefighters, heavy equipment, and aircraft.

RWF-034

  • Wildfire RWF-034 is located near the O’Chiese Reserve. It is classified as out of control at 51,000 hectares.

 RCU-005

  • Wildfire RCU-005 is 2 km from the south edge of Drayton Valley. It is classified as out of control at 3,500 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire has sent wildfire fighters and helicopters to the wildfire. Airtankers will also be supporting the firefighting efforts today.

SWF-068

  • This wildfire is located by the Peavine Metis Settlement. It is classified as out of control at 23,700 hectares.

WWF-023

  • This wildfire is located in the Fox Creek Area. It is classified as out of control at 8,500 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire along with the local fire chief will be assessing the situation today

GCU-003

  • This wildfire is located Southwest of Grande Prairie. It is currently classified as out of control at 1,500 hectares.
  • The County Fire department is working alongside crews and aircraft on this wildfire.

 SCX-002 (SWF-060)

  • This wildfire is in the Utikima Lake, Whitefish Lake and Gift Lake First Nation area and is classified as out of control at 10,000 hectares.
  • Alberta Wildfire has 24 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft responding to this wildfire.

EWF-035

  • This wildfire is located near Shining Bank and is classified as out of control at 5,027 hectares.
  • An Incident Management Team is responding to this wildfire.

SWF-057 – Big Lakes County – 35 km South of Swan River First Nation

  • This wildfire is located 35 km South of Swan River First Nation and classified as out of control at 6,200 hectares.
  • 29 firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters are assigned to the wildfire

 

For more information on wildfires in Alberta please visit:

Alberta Wildfire Dashboard https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3ffcc2d0ef3e4e0999b0cf8b636defa3

 This information will be updated, as required, by 11 a.m.


A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities or critical infrastructure.

Wildfires of note do not typically include mutual aid wildfires located outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Alberta Wildfire provides assistance on a mutual aid wildfire but is not the lead agency.


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

Calgary Forest Area 

Edson Forest Area 

Fort McMurray Forest Area 

Grande Prairie Forest Area 

High Level Forest Area 

Lac La Biche Forest Area 

Peace River Forest Area 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area 

Slave Lake Forest Area 

Whitecourt Forest Area