Peace River Area Update

Excellent Progress Made on Active Fires in the Area as Firefighters Prepare for New Starts

Posted on Fri, Jun 03, 2016

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ontarioteam1.jpgontario_overhead_team2.jpgThe Peace River Forest Area would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the two Ontario Overhead Teams and the Ontario Unit Crew who came all the way to Alberta to help us work on getting control of the Sweeney Creek Fire (ABC001) over the last month. Due to their hard work and the hard work of the many other firefighters, heavy equipment operators, pilots and support staff, and some help from Mother Nature, this fire is now UNDER CONTROL.  

 

Fire Hazard For the Weekend

The fire hazard is expected to be moderate tomorrow and continue to climb slowly throughout the weekend.  Temperatures are expected to be in the low to high twenties all weekend with some gusty winds and the potential for some rain and thundershowers forecasted for Saturday.  Please check the weather forecast daily for more information.
 
 

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

 
Wet and cool weather across parts of Alberta has reduced the fire hazard to a point where the province is adjusting the boundaries of the fire ban and off-highway vehicle (OHV) restrictions.
  • The fire ban and OHV restrictions will no longer be in effect for most of the province.
  • They will remain in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area of northeastern Alberta only
  • Please note, there are many municipalities with fire bans on within the province.  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

 

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.  

There have been 48 wildfires and 7 mutual aid fires within the Peace River Forest Area so far this fire season and all but three of them have now been extinguished.

  • 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 throughout the weekend.  
    • 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.  
  • PMD 001 is located just west of Whitelaw and has been EXTINGUISHED at approximately 250 hectares in size. 
  • PWF 008 remains under control at 12.3 hectares southwest of Dixonville.  This fire has been demobilized and will be scanned to check for hotspots over the weekend.
  • PWF 024 remains under control at 74 hectares in size west of the Dixonville area (north of the Smith Mills road).  This fire has been demobilized and will be scanned to check for hotspots over the weekend.

 

Safety Concernsdrone_use.jpg

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 campfiressoakitstiritsoakit1.jpg

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 cleanPREV_OHV_HotSpots_HubSpot.jpg

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 before burning.

 

For more information

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Or contact:

Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE