The steady rain and low fire hazard in the Peace River Forest Area has allowed the export many of our firefighters to go and help control the over half a million hectare wildfire in the Fort McMurray area. One of two 20-person unit crews stationed in the Peace River Forest Area, PU02 recently returned from working on Division X-Ray of MWF009 and due to their hard work, along with the dedicated efforts of thousands of their fellow firefighters and some help from the weather, this wildfire is now being held.
Fire Hazard
Wildfire Preparation
Firefighters, heavy equipment, aircraft and support resources have all been strategically placed throughout the Peace River Forest Area in preparation for any new wildfire starts.
Please call 310-FIRE to report wildfires as soon as possible so that these resources can be dispatched expediently.
Fire Bans and OHV Restrictions
- For information on advisories, restrictions and fire bans in the province, please visit http://
beta.albertafirebans.ca/ and check municipality websites for updates.
Evacuations and Closures
- Sign up for the free emergency alert app to get up to the minute alerts and updates on evacuations and other emergencies in the province pushed to your device.
- Please visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca for a listing of all evacuations currently in effect in Alberta.
- For information on how you can prepare yourself for the event that an evacuation is necessary, visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Active wildfires in the area
(1 ha is 100 metres by 100 metres or approximately the size of 2 football fields)
There were no new wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area today.
- ABC001 (BC Wildfire # G80068) This wildfire continues to burn west of the Clearhills area on both sides of the BC/Alberta border.
- Due to the hard work of our firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment, this fire is now UNDER CONTROL and sufficient action has been taken that the entire fire perimeter has been secured from further spread.
- Firefighters will continue to work on the fire tomorrow. Thanks to their hard work and the continued rain in the area, the fire has been extremely quiet and good progress continues to be made.
- We continue working with the BC Forest Service to action this wildfire. For updates on the BC side of this fire, please continue to visit the BC wildfire website.
Safety Concerns
Drone and UAV Use
- When you fly a drone or UAV over or near an Alberta wildfire, you’re breaking the law and endangering firefighting personnel and may cause firefighting operations to stop.
- Before you fly your drone or UAV, make sure you understand the rules that apply and follow them. Not doing so could cost you up to $25,000 in fines.
- For more information, please visit: tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst
Completely extinguish your campfires
Be sure to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving it unattended. Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. Repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch.
- All campfires should be burned within a fire pit ring with a non-flammable material such as clean sand underneath.
- Ensure that there is no dry grass or other flammable material around the ring.
Keep your OHV clean
The hot areas on your OHV can collect dried grasses and other debris and start a wildfire.
- Please clean your quad regularly throughout the day and carry a bucket with you to help in the event of a starting a wildfire.
- Stop frequently and check behind you for hot spots.
- If you start a fire with your OHV, call 310-FIRE immediately.
Before you burn it, get your permit
Beginning March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
- Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office. You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain you free fire permit.
- Please check the weather forecast and ensure the forecasted winds will be within the conditions on your permit before burning.
For more information
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
- Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
- You can also find us on
- Facebook,Twitter
- Youtube
- or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
Or contact:
Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 618-6215
crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE