Peace River Area Update

Fire Hazard Levels Expected to be Moderate For the Weekend

Posted on Fri, Jun 10, 2016

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The Sweeny Creek fire was a challenging one for the PU01 unit crew firefighters. For a total of 28 days, they worked long hours holding the fire by utilizing elaborate pump and hose lay setups, chainsaws, and helicopter bucket operations. This fire included a mix of initial attack, sustained action and mop-up and will be a fire for this crew to remember.  Due to their efforts, and the efforts of the many other firefighters, this fire is now under control.

Fire Hazard

The fire hazard is expected to be MODERATE tomorrow but please note that this is the average hazard level for the Peace River Forest area.  The areas north of Manning will be at higher hazard levels than the south. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high teens  with a chance thundershowers and lightning. Winds are expected to blow in from the east at about 20 km/hr. 
 
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.

 

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.  

  • 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.  There are a number of areas of unburnt trees within the fire and some of them have been burning.  As a result, smoke may continue to be visable for a the forseeable future.  Firefighters will be diligently checking these burning areas and ensuring they do not threaten to cross over the dozer guard that has been established.
    • 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.  

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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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

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Or contact:

Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE