Peace River Area Update

The New Zealand overhead team that has been overseeing the Notikewin Complex for the past couple of weeks completed their shift on Thursday and are now homeward bound.  On Thursday, a 24 person firefighting crew from South Africa arrived and are now working on extinguishing PWF 131, while the Mexican firefighters worked their last day on the complex today.  Thanks to the amazing work of our amazing team of firefighters, heavy equipment operators, pilots and many behind-the-scenes staff, all of the active wildfires in the Peace River Wildfire Management Area are now UNDER CONTROL!

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard level for the Peace River Wildfire Management Area is now LOW. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid teens tomorrow (Saturday) with moderate humidity and a small chance of scattered showers.  The winds are expected to be from the northwest at 10-15 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 166 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 since August 3. 

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

• 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.

• Numerous firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters have been and will continue to work towards containing these wildfires.  The New Zealand overhead team has now completed their time on the fire and is homeward bound.  The Mexican firefighters worked their last day on the complex today and will begin their journey home tomorrow.  24 South African firefighters arrived on Wednesday and have begun their work out at the complex.

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: