A fire restriction is in effect in northwestern Alberta in the Forest Protection Area surrounding the communities of Valleyview and Grande Prairie and west of the Peace River.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are still valid.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.
- No new permits will be issued for windrows, root rows, root piles, or other woody debris until conditions improve.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.
Although there is still snow coverage in some areas, there are bare spots throughout the forest area that pose a risk for new wildfire starts. Return to winter burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished. These fires can smoulder underground and flare up into a wildfire when the conditions are right.
Fire permits required
Fire permits are required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire.
Fire permits are free and help us track what is burning on the landscape. Request your fire permit online or call the Peace River forestry office at 780-624-6190. Permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, once a site visit has been done.
Check winter burns
Holdover fires are likely to occur this year due to dry conditions. A fire lit in the winter and left smouldering can burn under the snow and into the ground all winter long. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. To prevent spring wildfires, check your winter burn sites frequently and ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.
Always follow our safe burning guidelines.
.png?width=1200&height=676&name=wildfire%20app%20(2).png)
Since January 1, there has been 13 wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area that have burned over 60 hectares.
There are currently six wildfires burning in the Peace River Forest Area. Five are carryover wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season. One of these wildfires is under control and four are being held. They are being monitored by firefighters.
To view these wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.
Now hiring
Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We hire a variety of positions for the 2024 wildfire season. Apply today through the Alberta Jobs portal.
FireSmart
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.
To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
CONTACT
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
HELPFUL LINKS