Grande Prairie Forest Area - June 23, 2025

Wildfire situation

GWF028 - The Hamelin Creek wildfire near Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

This wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated at 5,557 hectares in size. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved conditions on the ground, allowing firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters to make steady progress in identifying and suppressing hot spots. While progress is being made, the fire remains active, and conditions will continue to be closely monitored. The cause of this wildfire was determined to be lightning. 

As the area continues to dry and temperatures rise, firefighters have observed some open flame on parts of the fire today. Hot spots that had been quiet over the past week may show increased activity as vegetation becomes more receptive to burning. Firefighters remain on site, ready to respond to any increase in fire activity and will continue to focus on extinguishing emerging hot spots.

Saddle Hills County evacuation alert 

Moonshine Lake Provincial Park remains closed.

See Alberta Emergency Alert for evacuation alert information.

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

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 247 hectares in size and remains classified as out of control. 

Steep terrain has made some areas difficult to access, but firefighting crews, heavy equipment, and helicopters remain actively engaged. Recent rainfall over the past week has helped support firefighting efforts, slowing fire spread and improving firefighting operations. Firefighters continue to focus on strengthening containment lines and targeting hot spots.

Alberta wildland firefighters from the Grande Prairie Unit Crew work to extinguish a hot spot on wildfire GWF040, breaking apart smouldering ground debris and applying water. Photo: June 19.

GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River wildfire 

This wildfire, which originated in British Columbia, remains classified as being held. The wildfire is estimated at 26,315 hectares and is located near the Alberta–British Columbia border, approximately 68 km west of Grande Prairie.

Firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters remain active on this wildfire. Nighttime infrared scanning drones continue to be used to detect difficult-to-find hot spots so they can be extinguished. The wildfire’s perimeter is not expected to grow today, but small pockets of unburnt trees within the fire area may still ignite.

The BC Wildfire Service is the primary agency in command of working to contain this wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is supporting these efforts as needed. The incident management team is also working closely with the County of Grande Prairie and the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response.

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 47 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.

 

Fire ban and restriction update

All fire restrictions within the Grande Prairie Forest Area have been lifted. However, as we remain in wildfire season, it's important to continue safe burning practices.

Fire restrictions can vary depending on your location. Forest areas, municipalities, and provincial parks may each have their own fire advisory, restriction, or ban. For example, the County and City of Grande Prairie currently have fire restrictions in place while the Grande Prairie Forest Area does not.

Conditions can vary between regions. Forested areas may retain more moisture than open grassy fields, leading to different fire danger levels and the need for area-specific restrictions.

To stay informed, visit Alberta Fire Bans. You can also download the Alberta Fire Bans app, which uses your location to show the most up-to-date information near you.

Lightning-caused wildfires

Lightning is typical this time of year and has been detected across our forest area, with the possibility of more throughout the week. This increases the potential for new wildfire starts. Lightning-caused wildfires can smoulder beneath the surface for several days before becoming active and visible when conditions are favourable, particularly during dry and windy weather.

If you see smoke or other signs of wildfire activity, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3743). Early reporting helps firefighters respond more quickly and reduces the risk of wildfire spread.

 

Contact info

Kassey Zatko
780-538-5327
[email protected]