The Grande Prairie region got about three inches of rain last week which helped bring down the wildfire hazard, but hot and dry weather in the forecast has again increased it to moderate.
Wildfire Information Officer Janelle Lane says it’s expected to climb even further throughout the week.
“There are some forecasted light showers, but in terms of the wildfire hazard, it’s not going to make a big enough impact to bring that back down. So we’re asking the public to use caution, so when you’re out on your quad, check for any hot debris that could fall off and start a wildfire.”
Also make sure to properly extinguish any campfires.
More than 270 firefighters are still working on the Red Deer Creek wildfire, 87 kilometres southwest of Grande Prairie.
It’s not expected to grow any further, Lane says they’re now focused on putting out hot spots.
“For the last couple of nights we’ve had an airplane fly over and do what’s called a high altitude infrared scan. This scan will actually pinpoint a hot area that can down to the size of a dime that the nose or eye wouldn’t see when walking along.”
Although the Two Lakes Road has reopened, anyone headed to that area should watch out for crews and heavy equipment.
Photo courtesy Alberta Wildfire