Wildfire

Today's update from the County of Grande Prairie, May 11, 2024, at 9:20am

Teepee Creek Wildfire  

The Grande Prairie Forest Area is currently facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with multiple blazes raging out of control. Authorities have declared the wildfire danger as extreme, prompting urgent response measures amidst challenging conditions.

Helicopter and air tanker operations are severely hampered today due to limited visibility, exacerbating efforts to contain the infernos. The situation is further compounded by smoke drifting in from wildfires in neighboring British Columbia, where previous season's remnants have been rekindled by dry, windy weather conditions.

As of 10:30 pm, Friday, May 10th, good progress is being made to contain the wildfire located approximately 13 kilometres north west of Valhalla. This fire is approximately 90 hectares. County of Grande Prairie and Alberta Wildfire crews are responding with helicopters bucketing. Heavy equipment will work through the night to build a fire guard and crews are working to protect structures.
 

Last night crews from Bezanson, Teepee Creek, Clairmont, Dunes and Alberta Wildfire responded to a brush fire in the Crystal Creek area on Range Road 34 near Township 712 around 9 pm. With the assistance of a helicopter and heavy equipment, crews worked to create a perimeter around the fire. The fire is contained and is not expected to grow in size. Fire crews and the helicopter are back on scene today. Smoke may be visible in the area.

Effective at 1 p.m. on May 8, 2024 the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department has issued a Fire Ban within the municipal boundaries. The ban is in place due to dry conditions and a lack of significant rain fall in the forecast making conditions in the area an extreme fire hazard.

Residents are advised that the Fire Ban order will:

·Suspend all fire permits currently issued.

·Require all outdoor fires presently burning whether set under the authority of a Fire Permit or not, extinguished.

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is VERY HIGH. Warm weather and windy conditions has 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.

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, the County of Grande Prairie will implement a fire ban that encompasses the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.  

The Fire Ban was issued due to hot, dry, and windy weather conditions and the lack of forecasted precipitation.

Existing burning permits are revoked, and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. All fires currently burning must be extinguished immediately. 

Under the ban, all outdoor fires are prohibited including: 

The government of Alberta is taking more steps to prepare for what could be a busy wildfire season.

They are making substantial investments in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response to ensure communities are equipped for the upcoming 2024 wildfire season.

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has rescinded the Wildmare Creek Fire Evacuation Order.

This means the Evacuation Order is cancelled for the following areas:

• Directly West of Bisset Creek
• South to Pine River
• East to Wildmare Creek

This notification does not apply to First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.