Peace River Area Update

Lightning Expected to Continue as Fire Hazard Levels Climb to High

Posted on Thu, Jun 30, 2016

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Lightning season is upon us and this means that there is an elevated risk of multiple lightning fires starting throughout the area.  Please help firefighters by doing your part to prevent human caused wildfires and help them get to these fires quickly by calling 310-FIRE.

Fire Hazard

The fire hazard is expected to be HIGH today.  Temperatures are expected to be in the mid twenties with scattered thundershowers passing through. There will be a continued chance of lightning caused wildfires over the coming weeks.
 
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

 

 

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 4 news wildfires in the area yesterday evening, all of which were lightning caused and all but one have been extinguished.  PWF 081 is under control at 0.30 hectares in size west of the Haig Lake area.  

  • ABC001 (BC Wildfire # G80068)  This wildfire is located 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.  
    • 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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ROr contact:

Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE