Wildfire

UPDATE: Today, Parks Alberta closed the Burstall Pass Day Use Area and surrounding trails due to the wildfire.

An out-of-control wildfire has been detected in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country by wildfire officials.

The fire is located northeast of Burnstall Lake, south of Horgath Lakes, and about seven km south of Mount Engadine Lodge.

Alberta’s government has launched an online portal so residents of Jasper whose homes have been lost or damaged by wildfire can register for a bus tour of the townsite.

Once they have registered via the online portal, residents will be contacted with further details.

Residents interested in touring the Town of Jasper can find the registration link online at Alberta.ca/emergency. All Jasper residents are invited to register; however, priority access will be given to people who have lost their homes.

Wildfires can have a significant impact on Albertans, our communities and our forests. There are several ways the public can contribute to wildfire response either through the Wildfire Reservist Program or contracting opportunities.

Effective Monday, July 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department has downgraded the current Fire Ban to a Fire Restriction due to recent precipitation, while still recognizing the high community fire risk.

During this period, stringent fire-related restrictions remain in place. For a detailed list of approved and prohibited activities, devices, and appliances, residents are advised to check the new Fire Hazard Index table on the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Page: cityofgp.com/GPFD.

Effective at 4:00 P.M. today, Monday, July 29, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will replace its Fire Ban with a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. This change aligns with Alberta Wildfire’s move to a Fire Restriction today. 

Under a Fire Restriction, permitted burning is restricted to approved recreational fire pits, approved burn barrels and propane-fired appliances (barbecues, smokers and fire pits).   

The MD of Bighorn has organized two escorted convoys on Burnt Timber Rd./Stud Creek Rd. for people needing to recover personal property after being forced to quickly evacuate the area due to the Fallentimber Wildfire.

The first one leaves tomorrow, Wed. July 31, at 2 p.m. from the Burnt Timber Gas Plant. Participants must register on-site at the gas plant between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Picture identification is required.

After a six-day battle, the Fallentimber Wildfire 25 km west of Water Valley is no longer out of control.

Alberta Wildfire has changed its status to being held.

That means given the current resources and anticipated weather, the wildfire is not expected to grow beyond pre-determined boundaries.

After six days of fighting the blaze, they have been able to reduce it to 65.4 hectares from its peak of 110. It had been quickly reduced to about 85 hectares by wildfire crews working around the clock.

The Fallentimber Wildfire did not grow in size yesterday and displayed low fire behavior this morning, giving off smoke from the northeast corner.

Wildland firefighters remain on scene alongside helicopters to continue working areas along the containment lines and bucketing on hot spots of the wildfire, about 25 km west of Water Valley.

In its latest report, Calgary Forest Area officials say the majority of observed hotspots are burning within the footprint of the fire, posing limited risk to spread. 

As many Albertans are reacting to the devastation of the Jasper wildfire, with many asking how they can donate, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging caution.

"The Better Business Bureau (BBB) expresses deep concern for the businesses, consumers, and residents affected by the wildfires in Jasper and environs in Alberta. Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we are committed to providing support and resources during this difficult time," The BBB stated in a news release.

121 evacuees are currently registered in Grande Prairie.

Registered evacuees can now access free transit and admission to the Eastlink Centre and Aquatera Outdoor Pool. Evacuees must show the wristband they were issued at the Reception Centre for access.

Physical donations are not being accepted at this time. Any companies, individuals or organizations that would like to offer support to those impacted by the wildfires, can email their offers to EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.