FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION NOW IN EFFECT
As part of Alberta Wildfire's Response Plan to COVID-19, a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction have been issued for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta effective April 15th at 2:00 pm.
These measures aim to reduce the number of human caused wildfires, as most if not all wildfires in the early spring are caused by human activity.
Reducing human caused wildfires helps keep our firefighting resources focused where they are most needed, especially when our firefighting resources may be challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fire Ban
Prohibited
- All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
- Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
Permitted
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
Non-compliance
Anyone found to be non-compliant of the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600.
OHV Restriction
Prohibited
The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.Permitted
Commercial and agricultural users and Indigenous Peoples practicing traditional use are able to continue to use OHVs; however, these users still must take extra precautions such as carrying firefighting equipment and are encouraged to limit OHV use as much as possible.What is an OHV?
An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:- Quads;
- Side by sides;
- Dirt bikes;
- 4x4 Jeeps;
- Pick-up trucks; or
- Sport utility vehicles
- Snowmobiles
Non-Compliance
Anyone found to be non-compliant with the OHV restriction could receive a violation ticket of $1200.
Fire Permits
All current fire permits are suspended effective immediately. Some allowances may be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning at the discretion of a Forest Officer.
Please call 780-624-6190 for more information on fire permits in the Peace River Forest Area.
Other Municipalities
Some of the municipalities adjacent to the Forest Protection Area have also put fire bans and OHV restriction in place. For more information or to see if their are restrictions where you live, work or recreate, visit www.albertafirebans.ca visit your municipality's website or social media accounts or contact your local municipal office.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
Due to the recent snowfall, the wildfire danger level is LOW in the Peace River Forest Area.
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
COVID-19 AND WILDFIRE
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the health and safety of all firefighters and support staff remains a top priority. The Incident Management Team developing the COVID-19 Response Plan is identifying key areas and making the necessary adjustments to wildfire operations.
New safety measures are being developed in cooperation with workplace health and safety officials. Key areas such as training, warehousing, aviation, and detection are some of the many areas under review to ensure staff safety.
The Peace River Forest Area office is currently closed to the public. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 780-624-6190.
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through these difficult times.
For more information, visit:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Bookmark the Peace River Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you
- Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
- You can also find us on Facebook,Twitter, Youtube
- or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
Or contact:
Crystal Burrows
Wildfire Information Officer
(780) 618-6215
crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3743)