Grande Prairie Forest Area - July 04, 2025

Wildfire situation

GWF028 - The Hamelin Creek wildfire near Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

The Hamelin Creek wildfire, located near Moonshine Lake Provincial Park, remains out of control and is estimated at 5,557 hectares in size. Firefighters, along with heavy equipment and helicopters, continue to make steady progress in strengthening containment lines and putting out hot spots.

The dry conditions in this area are making things more challenging, as the wildfire is burning deep in the ground. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

Saddle Hills County evacuation alert 

A Saddle Hills County evacuation alert remains for areas near the wildfire. 

You can also visit the Saddle Hills County webpage or Facebook page for more information.

Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

The Moonshine Lake Provincial Park is now open to the public, but please note that some walking trails are closed. 

For the most up to date information, please see the Alberta Parks website.

An AT-802 Air Tractor sits at the Grande Prairie Air Tanker Base. This aircraft is part of Group 5, which responded to wildfire GWF-028 and remains ready to support any new wildfires that may start. Each of these tanker can carry up to 3,000 liters of retardant and typically flies in groups of four when dispatched. These highly maneuverable, quick-to-load aircraft are a critical part of wildfire response.  

GWF040 - Wildfire south of Grande Prairie

Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to this wildfire, located approximately 78 km south of Grande Prairie and 19 km east of Highway 40. The wildfire is estimated at 248 hectares and is classified as being held. 

Steep terrain has made some areas difficult to access, but firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters remain actively engaged in suppression efforts. Wildlife encounters have also posed challenges for firefighters working in this remote region, requiring extra caution and awareness on the ground.

GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River wildfire

This wildfire, which originated in British Columbia, remains classified as being held. It is estimated at 26,277 hectares and is located near the Alberta–British Columbia border, about 68 km west of Grande Prairie.

Unburned trees and vegetation within the fire perimeter are expected to continue to burn, producing visible smoke. Firefighters are focused on "mop up" and patrol, a critical phase of wildfire response that ensures the fire is contained. Mop up and patrol involves carefully inspecting the burned area to locate and extinguish any remaining hotspots. 

Response to the Kiskatinaw has been a multi-agency response. Watch a video of what the BC Wildfire Service has been doing in response to this wildfire and to learn more about "mop up" operations on the Kiskatinaw River wildfire. 

The BC Wildfire Service is the primary agency working to contain this wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is supporting these efforts as needed. 

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

Grande Prairie Forest Area statistics

Since January 1, there have been 61 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning a total of 5,822 hectares.

Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.

 

Choose your campfire site

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire. When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of dry grass and vegetation. Clear the site down to bare mineral soil, keep it sheltered from wind and always have water nearby in case your campfire escapes. 

When you're done, always soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch. Never leave a campfire unattended. For more information, see Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips.

Contact info

Kassey Zatko
780-538-5327
[email protected]