The wildfire danger for the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH.
Warm weather and windy conditions have increased the wildfire risk in the Grande Prairie Forest Protection Area (FPA). We urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and take steps to prevent wildfires.
Wind gusts are expected to be 30-50kph (19-31mph). Light overnight precipitation is possible. Gusting winds are expected to continue today and tomorrow. High winds can cause extreme fire behavior and allow fires to grow rapidly.
Wildfire Situation | May 29, 2023
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 31 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. At this time, nearly 28,959.00 hectares (ha) have burned. Of these fires, none are listed as out of control (OC), four are being held (BH), one has been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment and 25 of these fires have been extinguished.
To see all wildfires on a map please click here.
GWF018
This fire is currently classified as Being Held (BH). For more information about this fire please visit the Peace River Forest Area Update.
GWF027- Eagle Complex WCX001
This fire is classified as out of control (OC) and is now part of the Eagle Complex which is being managed by the Whitecourt Forest Area. For the most recent updates visit the Whitecourt Forest Area Update
GWF017 & GWF023, GWF019 - Sturgeon Lake Complex GCX001
The Sturgeon Lake Complex is made up of three fires and the total area involved is 28, 802 hectares. All fires are now classified as being held. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Today there will be 189 firefighting personnel and support staff on site. Eight helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy machinery are allotted to these fires. Crews will continue to extinguish the perimeter to 100 feet and extinguish all hotspots that are a threat to new and existing containment lines.
GWF017 is estimated to be 5,752 hectares in size and 90% of the perimeter is controlled.
GWF023 is estimated to be 3,869 hectares in size and 95% of the perimeter is controlled.
GWF019 Bald Mountain Fire is 19,435 hectares in size. The fire is approximately 17 km west of Highway 40. The fire has crossed the Bald Mountain Road to the east and is in proximity to the intersection of Odum Ridge Road and Bald Mountain Road to the south.
Unauthorized people are not permitted in or near an active fire perimeter, as displayed on this map below.
We ask residents to stay out of areas that have been burned by the wildfires in the area. Wildfires will make the root systems of trees weak, and any amount of wind will affect the trees in the area. Falling trees will be an ongoing hazard and for residents’ safety you should avoid the burned-out areas. Firefighters will be actively working on and around properties extinguishing hotspots, please give them the space they need to work.
Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:
- The Grande Prairie Forest Area will not be issuing fire permits
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- 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
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province, please contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.
PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
Numerous wildfires continue to burn in many areas of the province. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 832 7235
Phone: 1-866-394-3473
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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