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Wildfire update

Grande Prairie Forest Area - August 29, 2025

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is very high in the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to hot temperatures and dry conditions. Please use extra caution when working or spending time outdoors, as a wildfire can ignite easily and spread quickly.

With the long weekend ahead, Alberta Wildfire encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Have a safe and fun Labour Day weekend!

Wildfire situation

To view details on active wildfires in the province, visit the interactive wildfire map or download the Alberta Wildfire app.

GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River wildfire

The Kiskatinaw River wildfire, which started in British Columbia on May 28, remains classified as being held. It is estimated at 26,195 hectares (ha) in size and is located along the Alberta–British Columbia border, approximately 68 km west of Grande Prairie. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

Unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter continues to burn and produce visible smoke. Hazards remain in and around the area, including active fire, falling trees, heavy smoke and unstable ground, all of which pose serious safety risks.

The BC Wildfire Service is leading the response to this wildfire, with Alberta Wildfire providing support as needed. Please be aware that the BC Wildfire Service has an Area Restriction in place that limits access to some areas on the B.C. side of the border. 

For more information on this wildfire and others in B.C., visit the BC Wildfire Service website.

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. 

Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are valid. Remember fire permits are not valid in winds over 12 km/h.
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
  • Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
  • Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the advisory area on a map. You can also download the Alberta Fire Bans app.

Campfire safety

Abandoned campfires cause wildfires every year in Alberta. These human-caused wildfires are completely preventable. Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish it when you are done. Soak it, stir it and soak it again, until the coals are cool to the touch.

Fireworks in the Forest Protection Area

Setting off fireworks in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is illegal without written permission from a local forest officer. Fireworks can easily start wildfires, even at night. Sparks or embers that seem harmless can smolder unseen and flare up into a large wildfire the next day or even several days later.

Prevent wildfires 

Many wildfires are human-caused. Please do your part and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:

  • Off-highway vehicles – Stop frequently and remove debris build-up from your machine's hot spots. Carry firefighting equipment such as a shovel, water pack or fire extinguisher.
  • Safe trailering – Before towing, always ensure your safety chains are crossed under the hitch and are not dragging. Dragging chains can cause sparks that can lead to the start of a wildfire.
  • Don’t park in tall grass – The heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry grass. Always park on bare ground or gravel.
  • Use equipment safely – Operate spark-producing equipment away from dry grass and always have a shovel and water source on hand.
  • Farming equipment – Cleaning out debris from hot spots and regularly maintaining equipment will decrease the risk of starting a wildfire.

Contact info

Kassey Zatko
780-538-5327
[email protected]

Published on August 29, 2025 9:34 am