Peace River Area Update

Fire and OHV Ban Lifted as Wildfire Hazard Levels Drop to Low

Posted on Thu, May 19, 2016

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The recent rainfall and in some places, snowfall, has helped to dramatically lower the fire hazard levels today. 

Fire Ban and OHV Restriction Changes

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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.
  • Effective at 4 pm today, the fire ban and OHV restrictions will no longer be in effect for much fo the province.
  • They will remain in effect for the Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray Forest Areas of northeastern Alberta, however.
  • Please note, there are still 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

 

Ole's Lake Provincial Recreation Area  has now been reopened.

 

Smoke concerns

Smoke is expected to drift into the area for the unforseeable future. 

  • If the smoke is bothering you, please consider staying indoors as much as possible.  If you are having difficulties breathing, please call the Healthlink line or visit your local hospital.  
  • Please check the smoke forecast daily for expected smoke patterns.

 

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.

 

Active wildfires in the area 

NEW FIRES IN THE AREA:

There was one new wildfire in the Peace River Forest Area today.  PWF 040 was extinguished at 0.01 hectares in size.

 

WILDFIRES OF NOTE IN THE AREA:

ABC001 (BC Wildfire # G80068)  This wildfire continues to burn west of the Clearhills area on both sides of the BC/Alberta border. 

  • Smoke from this fire will be visible from a significant distance away for the foreseeable future.  
  • The wildfire is being continuously monitored by personnel in a helicopter. Our first priority is public safety.  If an evacuation becomes necessary, those affected will be notified by the proper authorities immediately.
  • The efforts of our helicopters, heavy equipment and crews were hindered by the weather today.  That said, the weather did help prevent the fire from growing today.  The fire is now estimated at 22,500 hectares within Alberta.   ABC001 map (Alberta side).  
  • 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.  

 

UPDATES ON OTHER WILDFIRES: 

(1 ha is 100 metres by 100 metres or approximately the size of 2 football fields)

  • PMD 001 is located just west of Whitelaw and remains under control at approximately 250 hectares in size. The fire has been contained and is not expected to spread beyond the current boundaries.  
  • PWF 008 remains under control at 12.3 hectares southwest of Dixonville.  Due to the hard work of our crews and the rain that passed through the area today, we are preparing to demobilize this fire in the next couple of days.  
  • PWF 024 remains under control at 74 hectares in size west of the Dixonville area (north of the Smith Mills road).  Due to the hard work of our crews and the rain that passed through the area today, we are preparing to demobilize this fire in the next couple of days.

 

Safety Concerns

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There have been a number of reports of UAV/drones flying over the fire in the Clearhills area, on both sides of the border.  Air operations had to be temporarily grounded as a result.  

  • 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

 

For more information

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To receive these updates:

Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime, or subscribe to have it emailed to you. You can also download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.

You can also find us on Facebook,Twitter or 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