The Kleskun Creek fire is no longer considered active, according to Alberta Wildfire (Photo: County of Grande Prairie)

By Shaun Penner

Fire Danger High

Fire advisory issued for Grande Prairie Forest Area as danger raises to high

Oct 7, 2020 | 1:02 PM

With a wildfire danger rating of high in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, Alberta Wildfire has issued a fire advisory.

The wildfire service says this is because of hot and dry conditions in the area. At this time, safe campfires are still allowed and existing fire permits are still valid.

“We just want people to be more aware of the fire danger at this time,” said Kelly Burke, Wildfire Information Officer for the Grande Prairie Forest Area. “At this time, we won’t be issuing new permits.”

She reminds users of the area’s backcountry to never leave their campfires unattended, and to properly extinguish all fires by soaking it with water, stirring it, then soaking it again to ensure it is extinguished.

“The most important thing is that you want to check for heat,” said Burke. “If there is still heat in the pile, then you have to add more water and cool it down.”

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Burke says one of the biggest culprits that can create wildfires is off-highway vehicles, and she says it is important to make sure you check all hotspots.

“The exhaust, the muffler, under the seat, and if you have debris caught up in those areas, we want you to clean it out,” said Burke. “And, it’s always good to carry fire fighting equipment, like an extinguisher or a collapsible bucket and a shovel on your quad in case you do come across a fire.”

Since March 1, there have been 47 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, which have burned a total of 46 hectares. Right now, there are three fire still burning, including one that is classified as being held. Two others have been turned over to the responsible party for extinguishment.

One of those other fires is the fire reported Tuesday in the Kleskun Creek Valley near Range Road 31. Burke says crews are in the “mop-up” stage of the fire, and it is no longer considered active.