Peace River Area Update

The South African crew has now made their way home and one of our local unit crews has taken over out at the complex.  Thank you to all of the amazing firefighters from all over the world that have helped us out on our wildfires this summer!

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now HIGH. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid teens tomorrow (Sunday) with moderate humidity with no rain in the forecast.  The winds are expected to be from the southeast shifting to the northwest at 10 km/hr.

At this time of year, firefighting resources are kept busy with lightning fires, often with multiple wildfires starting in one day, 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 172 wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area so far this fire season, none of which are currently out of control. 

• The wildfire burning in the Hotchkiss area, PWF 052  remains under control at 1202 hectares.
• PWF 169 is under control at 0.10 hectares in the Manning area.
• PWF 170 is under control at 0.10 hectares in the Kimiwan area.
• PWF 171 is under control at 0.13 hectares in the north of the Cadotte Lake area.

• The wildfire burning in the Fontas area PBZ002, 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.
  

• 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 thanks to the efforts of our many firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, it is now under control.

• The South African crew has completed their time on the complex and one of our local unit crews has been working on it since last Sunday.  Each of the fires in the complex has been scanned and the crew is working to extinguish each of the hotspots that were identified.

• Reclamation work has begun on both of the Sulphur Lake area fires.

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: