The danger level in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is back up to very high as warmer temperatures are forecast for the next week. Alberta Wildfire says, in addition to warmer temperatures on the horizon, the weekend of unsettled weather also caused a few new fires to spark, with a total of three being reported between Sunday and Monday evening.
The new blazes include a 17 hectare sized fire located 20 kilometres north of Valhalla Centre near the northeast side of Boones Lake. However, fire officials say that fire is now listed as being held. Since the turn of the year, 37 wildfires have burned in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, taking out nearly 29,000 hectares in the process.
A fire restriction also remains in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area, which means all outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land, as well as the use of fireworks or exploding targets remain prohibited. However, wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds, as well as the use of propane and natural gas powered appliances is allowed.