By Kelly Burke, Oct 20, 2022 3:17:16 PM Dry and windy weather has increased the wildfire danger to
very high, when the fire danger is very high fires can start and spread
rapidly. Since January 1, 2022 there have been 79 wildfires burning
over 105 hectares in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, 77 of
these fires have been extinguished and two are listed as under control.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the
province of Alberta visit Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. Wildfire smoke from wildfires burning in British
Columbia, N.W.T and northern Alberta will continue to drift into the
Grande Prairie Forest Area in the coming days. For an accurate
forecast of wildfire smoke, go to FIRESMOKE CANADA for hourly ground-level
concentration of smoke particles from wildfires. A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest
Area. Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire
permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel,
incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not
be issued until conditions improve. Essential burning will be considered
on a case-by-case basis. Prohibited: • Without a valid fire permit, any burning other than a
campfire is prohibited Allowed: • Safe wood campfires * • Backyard fire pits • Portable propane fire pits • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters *Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or
rock fire ring. They are required to: a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another
non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the
fire; b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep
fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving; c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish
the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land
campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may
have additional fire safety requirements. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and
soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If
you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. Assistance from the public plays a vital role in detecting
wildfires. Calling 310-FIRE is quick and easy and is available toll free,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you see a wildfire or suspicious smoke,
make the call. The 310-FIRE line was created as way for the public to
report wildfires in the forested areas. If you see fire threatening a
community, call 911 immediately. We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to
join our team in a variety of roles for the 2023 wildfire season. Find
out more here: https://bit.ly/2Y9aZ26 Before you burn it, get a fire permit. Until October 31st,
fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest
Protection Area (FPA) . The only exception is for a cooking or warming
campfire. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality
for information about local fire permit requirements. County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648 (780) 832 7235 Subscribe Grande Prairie Forest Area wildfire update to
receive an email when new information is posted. Phone: 1-866-394-3473
The wildfire danger is now VERY
HIGH for the Grande
Prairie Forest
Area
Wildfire Situation | October 20,
2022 - 3:30 p.m.
Alberta
Wildfire is hiring
Fire Permits
Albertans living or working in the Forest Protection Area of the province
can request a free fire permit by contacting your local forestry office
or using the new, convenient online Fire Permit Portal.
Spirit River - (780) 814-1983
Valleyview - (780) 524-6576Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
