Peace River Area Update

Today we bid adieu to the 45 firefighters from Quebec and 20 American firefighters that have offered their help and expertise out at the Notikewin complex over the past couple of weeks.  Due to their efforts, (along with the efforts of the many pilots, engineers, heavy equipment operators, firefighters and overhead staff that have been working on this complex), significant progress has been made towards containing these wildfires.      

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now moderate. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid twenties tomorrow (Monday) with moderate humidity and a chance of scattered thundershowers and lightning.  The winds are expected to be from the east/southeast at 20km/hr, gusting up to 35 km/hr.  Please remember that fire permits do not allow for burning in winds over 12km/hr.

At this time of year, firefighting resources are kept busy with lightning fires, often with multiple wildfires starting in one afternoon, making it very important to be extra careful with fire and limit the number of human caused wildfires. Never leave your campfire unattended and carry firefighting equipment when working or recreating in the forest.  If you see smoke or fire in the forest, please call 310-FIRE.

Local Wildfires

There have been 165 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area so far this fire season, none of which are currently out of control. There have been no new wildfires in the area. 

• The wildfire burning in the Hotchkiss area, PWF 052  remains under control at 1202 hectares.
• The wildfire burning west of the Clearhills area, PWF 135 remains under control at 6.0 hectares.
• PWF 164, in the Weberville area, is under control at 0.01 hectare in size.

• The wildfire burning in the Fontas area PBZ 002, started in British Columbia and crossed over the Alberta/British Columbia border in early July. The portion that is burnt within Alberta is approximately 3000 hectares in size.
• Today, 20 firefighters from Mexico along with one Divisional Supervisor from New Zealand and one of our local Forest Officers began working on this fire.  The fire was scanned with an infared scanner searching for hotspots and the few that were found were noted and will be actioned.  Helipads were also established in preparation to better facilitate suppression operations.
  

• PWF 129 is located in the Notikewin area (approximately 15 kms northwest of Sulphur lake). This fire is listed as under control at 419.50 hectares 

• PWF 131 is located approximately 10 kms west of Sulphur Lake and 15 kms northwest of Stony Lake. This fire is 3,167 hectares in size and listed as being held. 

• Both fires were relatively quiet today and did not receive any significant rainfall.

• Numerous firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters have been and will continue to work towards containing these wildfires.  40 Mexican firefighters and 15-person overhead team from New Zealand began working on this fire today and the command of the fire transferred over to the new overhead team this afternoon.  

Please visit our wildfire status map on our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App for more information on wildfires throughout the province.

Fire Permits

Fire permits are being issued at this time but please check your fire permit to ensure you are burning safely and within your permit conditions. When winds are over 20 km/hr burning is not permitted. Wind can pick up small sparks and carry them several kilometers away, potentially starting wildfires in dry areas.

Fire permits are free and can be obtained by phoning the Peace River Wildfire Management Office at 780-624-6190.

Wildfire Prevention

Click the links below for more information on how you can prevent wildfires this long weekend.

• Check Alberta fire bans 
• Ensure that your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished 
• Check your ATV for dry debris that may be heating up on the hot parts of your machine. 

For more Information contact: