The Sturgeon Lake Fire Department and AB Wildfire are burning dead dry vegetation in the community to reduce the risk of wildfire . Photo courtesy AB Wildfire.

By Erika Rolling

Wildfire Season

Sturgeon Lake hazard reduction burning underway

Apr 9, 2025 | 12:01 PM

Alberta Wildfire says they along with the Sturgeon Lake Fire Department have burnt 8.38 hectares as of Wednesday as part of hazard reduction burning.

The project is happening in the community of Sturgeon Lake. It is anticipated to go until early May. Burns will be happening between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Firefighters are only conducting these burns when conditions are favourable and resources are sufficient, and while under the watch of wildfire specialists.

Alberta Wildfire says these reduction burns are important to reduce the amount of dry vegetation that could possibly ignite under windy conditions and threaten homes and other important infrastructure in the area.

Since January 1, there have been no new wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area and the fire danger remains low.

While this is good news, the province says the fire danger is anticipated to increase as snow melts and dead, dry grass and vegetation becomes exposed. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Fire permits are also required, as of March 1, if you are burning within the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires. Permits are free and can be requested online, or by contacting 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