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Moderate wildfire danger
The fire danger is anticipated to increase as snow melts and dead dry grass and vegetation become exposed. Dry vegetation could catch easily and burn quickly, keep watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors.
We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been six wildfires burning a total of 5.70 hectares (ha) in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
GWF005 is located 18 km north of Rycroft, on the south side of the Dunvegan bridge, west of highway 2. It's currently estimated to be 5.0 ha in size and classified as out of control. Firefighters are working with air support to contain the wildfire.
GWF006 is located 30 km north of Valleyview, on the east side of highway 49. It's currently estimated to be 0.01 ha in size and classified as under control. Firefighters are on scene, working to contain the wildfire and were assisted by industry.
No communities are threatened by these wildfires. Both remain under investigation. Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Grass can catch easy and could burn quickly. Keep watch of your surroundings and report wildfires to 310-FIRE as soon as possible (GWF006 April 18, 2025).
Hazard reduction burning - Sturgeon Lake
Alberta Wildfire and the Sturgeon Lake Fire Department continue hazard reduction burning in the community of Sturgeon Lake this week and anticipate the project to continue through April, ending in early May. Firefighters have successfully burnt close to 30 hectares to date.
Hazard reduction burns are important, reducing accumulated dry vegetation that could ignite under hot windy conditions and threaten homes and other important infrastructure. These burns are conducted under the careful watch of wildfire specialists and only ignited when firefighters and resources are sufficient and weather conditions are favorable. You can learn more about hazard reduction burns.
If you plan to burn it, get your permit
Alberta’s wildfire season starts on March 1. This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except campfires. Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office:
- In Grande Prairie, Grovedale or County West, call 780-814-1648
- In Spirit River, call 780-814-1983
- In Valleyview, call 780-524-6576
Prevent spring wildfires
To prevent spring wildfires, we urge residents and industry to return to their burn piles and ensure they are fully extinguished.
- Spread out the remaining material.
- Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
- Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
- Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
You can also watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to warm, windy conditions and the dry grass hazard. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
- Existing fire permits remain valid
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Published on April 18, 2025 7:26 pm