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Wildfire update

Grande Prairie Forest Area - May 29, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is extreme due to continued hot, dry, and windy conditions. Under these conditions, wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly. Use extreme caution and avoid all outdoor activities that could spark a fire.

Wildfire situation

Wildfire near Kelly Lake, BC. - County of Grande Prairie issues evacuation alert

Alberta Wildfire and the County of Grande Prairie are closely monitoring the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422) located southwest of Kelly Lake, British Columbia (BC). The wildfire has crossed Highway 52 and is travelling in a northeast direction at this time. It is estimated to be 4,590 hectares in size. While the wildfire remains in BC, proactive planning is underway should it move into Alberta. The BC Wildfire Service is actively responding with firefighters, helicopters, air tankers, and heavy equipment. Information on BC wildfires can be found at BC Wildfire.

The County of Grande Prairie has issued a wildfire evacuation alert. Residents in the effected area should prepare for a possible evacuation. For more information, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert webpage or download the app. You can also visit the County of Grande Prairie webpage for updates. 

Residents in the Grande Prairie Forest Area may notice smoke drifting in from this wildfire. For real-time information on smoke location and movement, visit www.firesmoke.ca. If you have health concerns related to smoke exposure, contact Alberta Health Link.

A dense, lush-green forested landscape with a overcast cloudy horizon. A column of dark grey smoke rises up from the trees and drifts out of frame. BC Wildfire G70422 located southwest of Kelly Lake, BC. Photo taken on May 29.

Since January 1, there have been 32 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning a total of 107 hectares.

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

Fire ban

A fire ban is now in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.

Prohibited: 

  • All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed: 

  • Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices 

The fire ban will remain in place until conditions improve. For details and updates, visit albertafirebans.ca.

Industry Liaison

The Grande Prairie Forest Area has a dedicated Industry Liaison who works directly with forestry, oil and gas, and other industrial stakeholders to reduce wildfire risk. This role focuses on building strong relationships, sharing wildfire prevention best practices, and supporting the development and implementation of wildfire control plans. Through proactive communication and collaboration, the Industry Liaison helps ensure industry partners are informed, prepared, and aligned with wildfire regulations and safety protocols. This partnership is vital in minimizing wildfire starts and impacts, especially during peak wildfire season.

A wildfire preparedness presentation is being delivered in a meeting room. A man in a yellow Alberta Wildfire uniform points to a large screen displaying key points about wildfire preparedness in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. On May 29, the Grande Prairie Forest Area Industry Liaison delivered a wildfire safety presentation to industry workers, highlighting prevention and preparedness measures.

Contact info

Kassey Zatko
780-538-5327
[email protected]

Published on May 29, 2025 8:06 pm