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Photo credit: Peace River Forest Area Wildfire Information office.
By Curtis Galbraith
wildfires

Wildfire hazard high in GPFA, low in PRFA

May 2, 2025 | 6:00 AM

UPDATE: May 2 – The wildfire danger has been upgraded to very high in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

The Wildfire Information Office is asking people to keep an eye on their surroundings and call 310-Fire of they see flames or smoke in the forest.

On Thursday, the wildfire hazard was upgraded from low to high in the Peace River Forest Area.

The wildfire danger rating is high in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Fire watchers say in a release that “the fire risk is serious” as grass and vegetation are very dry.

The Grande Prairie Forest Area has had 18 wildfires that have burned seven hectares since January 1.

A fire restriction is in effect, this means outdoor wood fires on public land, burning other than campfires on private land, fireworks, and exploding targets are prohibited.

Safe wood campfires on private land, including provincial campgrounds with a fire ring, and backyard fire pits are still allowed.

Grande Prairie City Hall has issued its own fire restriction for inside city limits that bans open burning of any kind.

Recent rainfall means the fire hazard was rated low in the Peace River Forest Area as of Wednesday.

It has had 27 wildfires that have burned just over 16 hectares since January 1.

Fire watchers in the Peace River Forest Area are offering some advice on precautions farmers can take around dry vegetation and crop residue, both of which burn easily.

This advice includes clearing debris from hot spots on machinery, keeping machinery greased, cleaning air filters, checking coolant and oil levels and having a fire extinguisher close by.

by Curtis Galbraith